Tag: HD44B

Dear Neighbors, 

First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who attended our first District 44 town hall of the year! Rep. Klevorn, Sen. Johnson Stewart, and I appreciate hearing your questions and concerns. Please continue to reach out throughout the legislative session.  

If you weren’t able to join us, you can watch a recording of the town hall here.  

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COVID-19 Business Relief Payments  

The Minnesota Department of Revenue recently issued $67.3 million in COVID-19 Business Relief Payments to 3,981 restaurants, bars, gyms, and similar businesses across the state. These payments were part of the bipartisan assistance package that the Minnesota Legislature passed in December.  

Businesses that don’t receive a payment but think they meet the program criteria can contact the Department of Revenue through an online inquiry process. The inquiry process will be open until Friday, February 5. An additional round of payments will be made after that date for businesses that qualify.  

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Defending and Strengthening Our Democracy  

On Wednesday, as our new President and Vice President took the oath of office, I was reminded of how our democracy has been challenged over the last few months. Thankfully, it has held together despite a global pandemic, an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, and the spread of harmful disinformation. However, these events showed that we cannot take our democracy for granted.  

Yesterday, my House DFL colleagues introduced the Democracy for the People Act. This new bill would defend and strengthen our democracy by expanding voter registration and absentee voting, prohibiting harassment and intimidation of voters and election officials, reducing the influence of corporations and dark money, and creating more opportunities for Minnesotans to get involved. You can find more details here.

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Minnesota’s Fight Against Climate Change 

Yesterday, the House Energy and Climate Committee held a public hearing on a bill that would lead our state to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2040! This bill, which has support from Governor Walz and House and Senate DFLers, is one of the most ambitious clean energy plans in the nation. It would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create well-paying jobs, and help preserve our earth for future generations. I look forward to supporting this proposal and other bills to address the climate crisis this session.  

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Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and input. You can contact me by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-9934.  

Sincerely,  

Patty Acomb  
State Representative  

Dear Neighbors, 

I was deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on our nation’s Capitol this week. What we saw on Wednesday was an attempt to undermine our democracy, fueled by the spread of misinformation. Tragically, five people have died, including a Capitol police officer. 

Those who engaged in violence or intentionally provoked it should be held accountable, and the dangerous and divisive rhetoric that led to these events needs to end. We must stand together to protect our democracy and reject efforts to undermine the will of voters

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2021 Legislative Session Begins 

On Tuesday, I was sworn in for another term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. It’s an honor to continue serving the people of Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Woodland. I am ready to work hard for our community and the state of Minnesota!  

I’m excited to announce that I will be Vice Chair of the Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee this session. I will also serve on the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee, the Legacy Finance Committee, and the Preventative Health Policy Division. 

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Join Us for a Virtual Town Hall  

Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart, Rep. Ginny Klevorn, and I are holding a virtual town hall next week to hear your feedback and discuss the 2021 legislative session. On Saturday, January 16 at 10 a.m., you can join us via Zoom by clicking the following link: https://zoom.us/j/98163177895?pwd=dHc0UCtaSFlrNUJ3MS9FTVNkc0Y5QT09. You can also join via phone by calling 312-626-6799 and entering the meeting ID (981 6317 7895) and passcode (733138) when prompted. We hope to see you then!  

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Small Business Grant Applications Open 

As a result of bipartisan collaboration between the House, Senate, and Governor, additional economic support is now available to Minnesota’s small businesses. Hennepin County recently opened the grant application process, and the online form can be accessed here until January 14. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance or have questions about eligibility. 

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Updated Public Health Guidelines 

Thanks to the actions Minnesotans have taken over the past month, COVID-19 cases in our state are on a downward trend. In response, Governor Walz announced that some of the current restrictions will be loosened starting on January 11. You can find more information about the new guidelines here, but these are some of the changes that will take effect:  

• Indoor dining will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Reservations will be required, and bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m.  
• Indoor event and entertainment venues may open at 25 percent capacity. The maximum capacity for outdoor events and entertainment will increase.  
• Gym capacity will remain capped at 25 percent, but maximum capacity and class numbers can increase. Pools can open at 25 percent capacity.  
• Wedding receptions and other private events may resume. Capacity limits and other restrictions will vary depending on where the event is held.  
• Youth and adult sports may resume games with spectators on January 14.  

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How to Stay Connected This Session 

Most of our work will be done remotely this session due to COVID-19, but there will still be plenty of opportunities to follow and participate in the legislative process. All public hearings and floor sessions will be broadcast on five House live stream channels, and House Public Information Services will continue providing nonpartisan news. You can follow their page on Facebook or subscribe to Session Daily to receive updates from the Capitol. I’ll continue to send these emails regularly, and you can follow my official Facebook page for more frequent updates. 

I always appreciate hearing your questions and feedback, so please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact me at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn or 651-296-9934.  

Sincerely,  

Patty Acomb 
State Representative  

Dear Neighbors, 

As you may have heard, Governor Walz unveiled a COVID-19 vaccination plan earlier this week. The goal is to quickly, equitably, and safely deliver the vaccine to Minnesotans in every corner of the state in partnership with the federal government and local communities.  

No vaccine is available yet, but two pharmaceutical companies – Pfizer and Moderna – have submitted vaccines for FDA approval. Pfizer’s passed a critical milestone yesterday, when an FDA advisory panel formally recommended authorizing it. Other vaccines are currently in clinical trials. Once one is approved, there will be 25 distribution hubs set up across the state to receive vaccine deliveries through the national distribution chain. From there, the vaccine will be distributed to smaller hospitals and clinics.  

Health care workers and long-term care residents will be the first to receive the vaccine, followed by essential workers, seniors, and people with preexisting conditions who are more likely to become seriously ill if they contract the virus. The vaccine, which won’t be mandatory, will be provided to Minnesotans at no cost. You can find more information about Minnesota’s vaccine distribution plan here. 

The expected arrival of a vaccine is good news, but this process will require time and patience. In the meantime, it’s important to do our part to protect each other by wearing masks, social distancing, staying home when possible, and getting tested if feeling sick.  

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Economic Assistance for Minnesotans 

House DFLers recently put forth a COVID-19 economic assistance package that would keep small businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help Minnesota families keep food on their tables. The package includes direct aid for small businesses, an eviction moratorium, a 13-week unemployment extension, and emergency assistance for struggling families. It also includes grants for restaurants to provide food for health care workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities.  

Our plan has Governor Walz’s support, and we’re working with our Republican colleagues to reach an agreement before the next special session on Monday, December 14. I hope we can come together to deliver this critical assistance.  

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Climate Action Plan Webinar 

The Minnesota House Climate Action Caucus, which I chair, is gearing up for the next legislative session! We recently released our Climate Action Plan, a comprehensive, science-based framework for addressing the climate crisis. You can view the plan here.  

If you’d like to learn more about the House Climate Action Plan, you can join me and Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light (MNIPL) for an informational webinar on Thursday, December 17 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. I’ll share our plan to fight climate change in Minnesota and answer questions from the audience. You can find more details and RSVP here.  

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I always appreciate hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback. You can contact me at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn or 651-296-9934.  

Sincerely,  

Patty Acomb  
State Representative  

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope this email finds you well and staying healthy. Here’s an update from the Capitol:  

Support for Businesses, Workers, and Families

We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for our small businesses and the Minnesotans whose livelihoods depend on them, and we’re committed to supporting them as they do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. This morning, Governor Walz announced a COVID-19 economic relief package to keep businesses afloat, support workers, and help families keep food on the table. I look forward to working with the Walz Administration and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver this much-needed relief.  

Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: November 24, 2020”

Dear Neighbors, 

I’d like to start by thanking the people of Minnetonka, Plymouth, and Woodland for the opportunity to serve our community for another two years. Returning to the Minnesota House of Representatives is an honor, and I’m excited to continue working with you.  

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New COVID-19 Measures 

Unfortunately, we’re experiencing a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in Minnesota. Last week, Governor Walz introduced a series of targeted steps to help curb the spread of the virus. Bars and restaurants must end dine-in service at 10 p.m. and close counter seating and service. There is a 10-person limit for indoor and outdoor gatherings, and all gatherings should be limited to members of three households or less. Capacity limits for larger events, such as weddings and funerals, will be phased in and eventually capped at 25 people. You can find more information about the new restrictions here.  

This is a dangerous time for Minnesotans. Each of us must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition to following the new restrictions, please continue to wear a mask, social distance by at least six feet, and stay home if you’re not feeling well. Public health officials are also encouraging Minnesotans to get tested for COVID-19. You can find a testing site near you here.  

Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: November 16, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well and staying safe and healthy.

The Legislature reconvened for a special session on Monday. In the House, we’re working on a number of issues that Minnesotans have asked us to address. Ensuring critical services can continue during the pandemic is a top priority. We’re working on several COVID-19 relief and recovery measures, such as legislation to support disability services providers, to make sure Minnesotans can access the support they need to weather this storm.

We hope to pass a strong Jobs and Local Projects or “bonding” bill that funds priorities like clean water, roads and bridges, higher education, parks and trails, and more. Investing in infrastructure strengthens communities and creates good-paying jobs. This legislation would benefit our entire state and give the economy a boost at a critical time. We’re also working on police accountability and criminal justice reforms. We need to find commonsense solutions to ensure that all Minnesotans can feel safe in their communities. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: July 16, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope summer has been treating you well and that you’re staying cool! Rep. Ginny Klevorn and I are holding our first virtual town hall of the summer on Wednesday, July 15 from 7 – 8 p.m. We’ll be using Zoom, a free video conferencing software you can download here. You can join the meeting by clicking here when the event begins. To access the meeting by phone, call 312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID (963 4697 7053) and password (444702) when prompted.

Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: July 10, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

A little over a week ago, Governor Walz called my colleagues and I back to the Capitol for a special session. Here’s a brief update on what we accomplished and remaining challenges:

Assistance for Small Businesses

When the House reconvened, our first order of business was approving $62.5 million in grants for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill includes $60 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and $2.5 million from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Emergency Loan Program. Under the bill, which Governor Walz signed into law on Tuesday, small businesses with 50 or fewer employees can receive grants up to $10,000. Priority will be given to Minnesota’s smallest businesses and those that were required to operate at 50 percent capacity or less. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: June 22, 2020”

Dear Neighbors,

George Floyd should be alive today. My thoughts are with his family and friends, the Minneapolis community, and our neighbors of color.

A few nights ago, I joined community members for an evening of peaceful protest, starting with a march in Plymouth and ending with a candlelight vigil in Minnetonka. It was moving to see our community coming together to demonstrate peacefully and call for justice. Continue reading “Rep. Patty Acomb (HD44B) Update: June 9, 2020”