Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 15, 2021

Rep. Howard Banner


Dear Neighbors, 

Last week saw more optimistic news for our state. More Minnesotans continue to get the vaccine ahead of schedule, guidelines are being safely loosened on businesses, and if we play this smart, a healthy summer with our loved ones is within our reach. 

Here’s the latest from the State Capitol:


New Guidelines for Businesses and Gatherings

With over 70% of Minnesota age 65 and over having received the COVID-19 vaccine, opening up vaccine eligibility to millions more, Governor Walz announced the latest rollback of guidelines, increasing capacity for businesses and gatherings – going into effect today.

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Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: March 5, 2021

Rep. Howard Banner


Dear Neighbors, 

We’re getting a clearer picture of when more Minnesotans could expect to receive the COVID vaccine. Supply is still not meeting the great demand, but we’re currently on track to vaccinate 70% of Minnesotans age 65 and older by the end of this month. Once we meet that important milestone, we’ll begin the process of vaccinating those who are at a high risk for workplace exposure and people with certain underlying health conditions. In following the state’s vaccine timeline, all Minnesotans will have the opportunity to get vaccinated this summer.

MN Who Gets COVID Vaccine Soon


This week’s news on the approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine means the date of a vaccine for the general public might even be sooner, with President Biden announcing that a new deal between drug manufacturers could lead to vaccines for all adults in the US by May. If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for Minnesota’s Vaccine Connector, which will help you find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

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Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: February 19, 2021


Dear Neighbors, 

This week, Governor Walz announced a new tool to help Minnesotans find out when they’ll be able to get their vaccine – the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector. We’re still months away from the vaccine being widely available for all who want it, but the Connector will be able to better streamline that process once it’s available for you.

Get Connected to Your COVID-19 Vaccine Image


By signing up, the Connector will: 

  • alert you when you are eligible to receive a vaccine; 
  • connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment; and 
  • notify you if there are vaccine opportunities in your area. 
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Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: February 12, 2021

Dear Neighbors, 

There’s nothing like a spell of sub-zero temperatures to make one grateful for having a safe and warm home with which to escape the cold – but during this winter, during this global pandemic, that’s not the case for all Minnesotans. As vice chair of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, and a member of the Preventing Homelessness Division, legislation concerning Minnesota’s housing crisis has been a focus of mine. 

Recently, I presented a bill to keep homeless Minnesotans safe amidst the pandemic. One of my Republican colleagues suggested that the primary cause of homelessness is personal choices made by those who lack a home. This was my response:

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Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: January 29, 2021

Dear Neighbors, 

Earlier this week on the House floor, I helped write and submit a resolution condemning violence and violent rhetoric directed at the United States Capitol and​ state capitols, as well as affirming support for democracy, rule of law, and the certified results​ of our election.

The insurrection on January 6th cut a deep wound into our democracy that will only heal if we stand together to denounce both the violence and what preceded it – unprecedented attempts to discredit our free and fair elections. Passing this resolution is our opportunity to state that now and in the future, the Minnesota House of Representatives will stand for reason, truth and democracy.

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Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: January 22, 2021


Dear Neighbors, 

One story from President Trump’s inauguration has stayed with me and has been on my mind for days. A Richfield student told me that as her class watched the inauguration and heard President Trump’s speech, an African-American classmate of hers began to quietly weep. She went over to her classmate, gave her a hug, and they cried together. Then the next day, they applied to serve on our local Human Rights Commission. 

Empathy, decency and collective action. This is how we got through these last four years and how we will emerge stronger. Four years later, I hope those students were watching together as Kamala Harris was sworn-in as Vice President, becoming the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian American to hold the office. I hope they were watching as President Biden denounced white supremacy and pledged to be a president for ALL Americans. And I hope they, like millions of Americans, felt pride and purpose in the promise of tomorrow in these United States of America.

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: January 22, 2021”

Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: January 8, 2020

Dear Neighbors, 

Like most, I have been spending a lot of time thinking about this dark week in our nation’s history. I’m struck by how it felt at the same time both surreal yet entirely inevitable.

Donald Trump and his allies spent years discrediting and sowing distrust in every public institution and the very essence of our democracy. At the same time, Congressional Republicans enabled and mobilized the mob forces we saw at our nation’s Capitol with their complicit silence. Make no mistake, this was an insurrection. Donald Trump and his allies who tried to overturn the will of American voters bear responsibility.

This stain on our democracy will not be resolved overnight, in one election, or in one year, but I take solace in the fact that the fascist mob and their enablers represent a fraction of Americans. It is up to all of us to speak up, harness our collective faith in our democracy, and get to work to rebuild and strengthen it.

Today I sit in my office across the street from the Minnesota State Capitol. Today more than most days, I feel the weight and responsibility of my role as a state representative, entrusted with this job by my community. I take this solemn duty seriously and am resolved to fight for and defend our democracy from those who seek to destroy it.


The 2021 Legislative Session Begins

The chaos in Washington DC was in stark contrast to the calm, orderly start to the 2021 Legislative Session here in Minnesota. Adhering to public health guidelines, I joined the majority of my legislative colleagues in taking out oath of office remotely.


Representing the communities of Richfield and Bloomington in the Minnesota House is a humbling responsibility. Thank you to my community for your trust. I am ready to fight for you, and with you, to make our community, state and world a better place.

This session, I’m excited to continue in my role as the Vice Chair of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee in the Minnesota House. The ongoing global pandemic has shown how important access to a safe and secure home is for the health and wellbeing of an entire community. It’s the bedrock we need to establish for all Minnesotans in order for any other policy or investment to be impactful. I’ll also be serving on the newly-established Division on Preventing Homelessness, and have been crafting legislation on housing that will be instrumental in our initial policy proposals on both economic security and health care. Stay tuned for more on these issues. 

The other committees I’m proud to serve on this session are the Taxes Committeeand the Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee


Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Grants

As a result of our bipartisan work in the House with the Senate and Governor Walz, additional economic support is now available to our 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 directly if you need any assistance or have questions about eligibility.


Adjusting the Dials on COVID Measures


The measures we are taking to slow the spread of COVID-19 are working. Despite this being one of the deadliest weeks of the pandemic for the nation, Minnesota has consistently seen a decline in cases. In response to this, Governor Walz announced a series of changes to public health guidance, allowing more businesses to reopen and activities to take place. Starting Monday, January 11, the following changes take effect:

  • Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than six people must remain six feet 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 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
  • Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25 percent capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250 people. Social distancing is required.
  • Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – may open at 25 percent, with no more than 150 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 sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
  • Pools opened on January 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent capacity.

This is good news for our local businesses, but it remains incredibly important that we continue to social distance, wash our hands, wear a mask, and get tested when we feel sick


Stay Connected This Session

This session, we’ll continue to conduct committees and business on the House floor remotely. This is far from ideal, but continues to be a necessary measure for the health and safety of our staff and members. Though you won’t be able to physically sit in on a committee hearing, watch a debate from the House gallery, or visit with me in person, we’ve taken measures to continue to be as transparent and accessible as possible during the remainder of this pandemic. 

The House Public Information page is a great place to stay up to date, and we’ve added additional livestream channels for the public to watch legislative hearings. You can also follow along with my work on my member page, “like” my official Facebook page, and subscribe to and share these legislative updates. 

As always, feel free to reach out to my office with any questions or comments you may have. You’ll reach me or our legislative assistant, Blake. You can contact me at at rep.michael.howard@house.mn or (651) 296-7158. 

The challenges we face are immense, but so too our strength and resilience. Together, we are powerful, and we have so much work to do.

In partnership,

Michael Howard

Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: December 15, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

It’s only Tuesday, but it’s already been a busy week. Yesterday, Minnesota received its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bipartisan agreement on economic assistance for our small businesses and working families, and over the weekend I’m humbled to share that I was elected to be an Assistant Majority Leader by my DFL colleagues in the Minnesota House.

The COVID-19 Vaccine

Ahead of the vaccine’s arrival in our state, last week Governor Walz announced Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan. Keeping speed, equity, and safety in mind, the plan was made in partnership with the federal government to ensure we’re making the most of our initial limited supply.

The first to receive the vaccine in Minnesota will be health care workers and long-term care residents, who would then be followed by essential workers, seniors, and people with preexisting conditions that are more likely to become seriously ill with this virus. The arrival of the vaccine is incredibly good news, but we’re still a long way from it becoming available to all who want one. In the meantime, it’s important that we continue adhering to the public health guidelines that have kept our communities safe – social distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask, and getting tested when we feel sick

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Bipartisan Coalition of State Legislators Introduce Pledge to Curb the Spread of COVID-19

House DFL logo

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Yesterday, a bipartisan group of legislators from the Minnesota House of Representatives announced the Minnesota Pledge to Defeat COVID-19, a social media push to emphasize that the basic steps we can take to help curb the spread of COVID-19 have no partisan affiliation. Ahead of the holiday season, and with Minnesota experiencing a surge in cases, these legislators are asking all Minnesotans to share this message and commit to taking the necessary precautions. 

“We’re entering a critical moment in the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, and how we choose to respond will have a direct impact on our family, friends, and neighbors,” said Rep. Kelly Morrison (DFL – Deephaven), who is also a practicing physician. “The situation is dire, and our public health professionals and healthcare workers are begging us to follow the basic guidelines of COVID prevention because they’ve seen first-hand the consequences of this virus as cases surge. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to sign the Minnesota Pledge to Defeat COVID-19.  We all have a role to play in slowing the spread.”

Using the hashtag #TakeThePledgeMN, the pledge asks Minnesotans to double down on their efforts to wear a face mask, maintain social distancing, stay home if sick or exposed to COVID-19, limit the size of gatherings, and to be kind to one another. 

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Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: November 19, 2020

Dear Neighbors,  

I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Over the past few weeks, Minnesota has seen some of its worst days yet in the COVID-19 pandemic, and though the promising news of effective vaccines gives us hope, it’s likely that darker days lie ahead.

Much of Minnesota’s success in combating this virus is depended on what additional resources we’ll be able to receive from the federal government, and to that end I drafted a letter along with my DFL colleagues in the Minnesota House calling on President Trump and Senate Majority Leader McConnell to return to the work of delivering sorely-needed economic relief. We need every level of government to work together to fight this pandemic and help Minnesotans and our small businesses weather these economic storms. You can read that letter here.  

New COVID-19 Measures

Yesterday, Governor Walz announced new measures in Minnesota’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, or rather, we returned to some of the familiar restrictions from last spring. Starting Friday at 11:59 p.m., bars and restaurants will only be open through take-out options, gyms and entertainment venues will close, and we’ll be putting a pause on youth sports.  

Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: November 19, 2020”