January 14, 2021
Dear Neighbor,
To say that the last few weeks have been eventful is a bit of an understatement. While I know that many of us have our attention turned to our national Capitol, I wanted to update you about the work that has already begun in St. Paul. I’m continually grateful to have the opportunity to serve Richfield and Bloomington in the Minnesota Senate, and to represent diverse communities as important conversations occur.
2021 Legislative Session Begins
On January 5th, the 92nd Minnesota Legislature was sworn in. New to the Senate are three Republicans, and seven DFLers. I was proud to be sworn in for my third term representing our district. Although the first day looked a little bit different, it was still a strong reminder of the seriousness of the work before us. I will be serving on the following committees this session:
- Health and Human Services Finance and Policy – DFL Lead
- Human Services Reform Finance and Policy
- Technology Reform Policy
My priorities for 2021 remain working hard to ensure basic fairness and success for all Minnesotans. While my focus is on work to help Minnesota recover from the pandemic and develop a state budget that strengthens the programs that Minnesotans most affected by the pandemic rely on – health, human services, and education programs, there are some basic values that guide my work. 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 child care, 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. 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 fighting for every Minnesotan. Together with Governor Walz and the House of Representatives, I am committed to these values and standing firm against the politics of fear, division, and distrust.
Easing of COVID-Related Restrictions
Governor Walz made an announcement last 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 went into effect on Monday, January 11th. 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 14th 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
Engaging with the Legislature Virtually
It’s likely that the work of the 2021 session will be conducted virtually for several months. While that certainly raises some challenges, nonpartisan staff worked creatively to ensure that Minnesotans are able to follow and engage with the work that we’re doing.
- Following committees
- Full list of Senate committees found here.
- Select the committee of interest, scroll to the bottom of the page to find committee schedules, recordings of hearings, and a list of bills in committee.
- Click on “subscription page” to have your email added to the committee listserv.
- This page lists all committees in one place for those wishing to sign up for multiple committees at once.
- Combined Legislative Meeting Calendar found here.
- Tracking legislation
- Senate bill introductions are posted at this link, typically one day prior to the next scheduled Floor session. The Senate typically is in session on Mondays and Thursdays, and frequently additional days as the May deadline approaches.
- Search for specific bills here. Make sure the correct legislative session is selected before searching (i.e. ‘92nd Legislature, 2021-2022).
- Set up an individual tracking mechanism here.
- General information
- Visit this page to sign up for Senate Daily Orders of Business, bill introductions, TV schedules, and other general information about the Senate.
- The House of Representatives offers many similar services at www.house.leg.state.mn.us.
Looking forward, I will be engaging more deeply in committee work, particularly as budget discussions take greater shape. I will also be meeting (virtually) with fire service constituents, and participating in a session preview event with the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. I always appreciate meeting with constituents in my office, and hearing directly from neighbors about important issues. Obviously that will not be possible for some time, but I hope you will keep in touch either by phone or email.
Regards,
Melissa