Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: January 8, 2021

First Day of Session Video

A message from the 1st day of Session

Dear Friends and Residents of Senate District 49,

I am eager to get back to the regular legislative session of 2021, which marks the beginning of the 92nd Legislature. It is also my honor to be sworn into my third term in the Minnesota Senate.

Minnesotans faced unprecedented disruption in 2020 with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Few of the years in the history of our state have presented as many challenges as 2020, and yet these challenges remain as we enter 2021. Despite this, we remain guided by our shared values and priorities.

Every Minnesotan deserves the right to feel safe in their community, to have economic opportunity and stability, to have affordable, accessible health care, and to receive a world-class education – from kindergarten to college. Every family deserves stable housing, high-quality childcare, and the ability to take care of their loved ones without fear of losing a job. Every person deserves a life of dignity, whether in the earliest years of their life or their twilight years. All workers, not just our frontline heroes, deserve fair wages and the right to collectively bargain. Our communities deserve an economic system that works for the main street, not big corporations. And future generations deserve the right to enjoy clean air, clean water, and to fully enjoy the natural bounty we are fortunate enough to have.

I am committed to working hard to represent ALL the voices and perspectives in our district. As a mother of two young boys, and a small business owner, I understand how important it is to get us back to reopening our economy as quickly and as safely as possible. Please continue to reach out to me if I can be of service now or in the future. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Melisa

Ways to get in touch:

Email: melisaf@senate.mn
Office: 651-296-6238
Cell: 612-968-4566
Legislative Assistant – Jess Yeganeh
- jess.yeganeh@senate.mn
Facebook: State Senator Melisa Franzen
Twitter: @MelisaFranzen

Oath of office

The 92nd Minnesota Legislature began with an unprecedented first day. All senators were sworn in through socially distant procedures, with several senators choosing to take their oaths of office remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As required under the Minnesota Constitution, the Lieutenant Governor presided over the Senate until a presiding officer was chosen. Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Barry Anderson led senators in swearing their oaths. You can watch me and other senators take our oaths of office on the Senate DFL here.

Insurrection at our nation’s Capitol

Our democracy was assaulted this week when a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol during the certification of the electoral votes. This was a shocking and unprecedented incident in the history of the country.

This insurrection was an attack on democracy and should be condemned and rejected by every American. The United States Constitution made the right to free speech the very first amendment in the Bill of Rights, but what happened Wednesday is a violent assault on the democracy each of us cherishes and seeks to protect.

The peaceful transfer of power has been a foundation and hallmark of presidential elections, and everyone must be committed to this tradition. The Senate DFL is committed to upholding the results of the free and fair election that was just held, which made Joe Biden the President-Elect of the U.S. The courts have litigated challenges justly, so if this is a nation of law and order, these results must be respected.

Federal, State, and Local level governments have a duty to protect democracy and the safety of our communities. This week’s domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol is heartbreaking and should be considered nothing less than an act of sedition. We are grateful for the Capitol Police officers who are working to keep members, staff, and the Capitol safe and hope for the safety of those at risk.

Each member of the Legislature swore an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of Minnesota, and to faithfully discharge the duties of their office. Each of us, not just legislators, but citizens throughout the country, have a duty to stand up and reject any attempt to subvert our constitution or our great democracy.

A letter signed by all 31 members of the State Senate DFL Caucus was sent to President Trump condemning the violence and sedition witnessed yesterday at the U.S. Capitol. It was also sent to representatives of the state’s federal delegation.

On Thursday I shared my thoughts about the insurrection at the United States Capitol on the Senate floor.

Governor Walz’s announces easing of COVID-19 restrictions

Governor Walz made an announcement this week about the easing of COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place over the past two months. Due to the slowing of new positive COVID-19 cases after a peak in November, the governor has made the decision to re-open specific sectors of the state economy including indoor dining. Changes will go into effect on Monday, January 11. The governor emphasized that this action is taken with the understanding that Minnesotans still need to remain cautious and take proper precautions.

The new guidelines in place:

Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can be open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than 6 people, with six feet distance from other parties; bar seating is open to parties of two; reservations are required; and establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
Gym capacity remains capped at 25% but maximum capacity is 150 and classes can be increased to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain nine feet of distance. Face coverings are required
Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25% capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250. Social distancing is required
Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – continue at 25% capacity, with no more than 25 people in each area of the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service after 10 p.m.
Youth and adult organized sport have resumed practice as of January 4, and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor and outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged
Pools, like gyms, increase to 25% capacity
Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, then they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors and three households or 15 people outdoors. If there is no food or drink, they are covered by event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony – like a wedding or funeral ceremony – is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship
Places of worship remain at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity