Dear Neighbors,
Even though it has felt like we have been in a perpetual session for the past year, this week is the official beginning of the 2021 legislative session. I am honored to return to the Capitol for a third term where I will continue to advocate for your needs. I am up for the challenge of legislating during this pandemic and will continue to put the health and safety of our community first.
I’m saddened and angered by the events of Wednesday’s insurrection in Washington DC. This attack was fueled by disinformation and white supremacy, directly incited by Donald Trump and others. We must stand against this violence and the kind of rhetoric and misinformation that leads to it. We have a lot of work to do and many challenges ahead, and I’m committed to continue that work to build the just and inclusive Minnesota we all deserve.
Virtual Town Hall – Saturday, January 9 at 10 a.m.
Sen. Jason Isaacson, Rep. Kelly Moller, and I are holding a virtual town hall on Saturday, January 9 at 10 a.m. We hope you’ll join us to discuss your ideas and priorities for the legislative session. The town hall will be held on Zoom, a free video conferencing platform. To participate, click here when the event begins or call 312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID (831 1637 7275) and password (320937) when prompted. If you have a question for us, you can also send it ahead of time to my assistant Anna at anna.borgerding@house.mn.
Walz Announces New Covid-19 Protocols
Thanks to your collective sacrifice and willingness to dial back during the holidays, Minnesota has seen a drop in the amount of Covid-19 cases. As a result, Governor Walz announced this week that several restrictions on certain activities and sectors will be loosened. While this is certainly encouraging news, please continue to mask up, get tested, stay home when sick, and avoid large gatherings of people from separate households. Here are the new rules:
- 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 by 10 p.m.
- Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150. Machines and people should maintain 12 feet of distance. Classes increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Everyone must be masked.
- 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, or no more than 150 people. Masks required. No food service after 10 p.m.
- Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of Jan. 4 and games resume Jan. 14 with spectators. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
- Pools opened Jan. 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent capacity.
Committee Assignments & Tracking the 2021 Legislative Session
In addition to chairing the House Judiciary Finance & Civil Law Committee, I will also be serving on the following committees:
- Environment & Natural Resources Finance & Policy
- Behavioral Health Policy
- Ethics
- Property Tax Division
- Ways & Means
As we continue to operate under recommended public health guidelines, it’s important that we ensure openness and transparency for the public. The House is expanding the number of simultaneous committees it can?webcast live?from a maximum of two to five. You can use the link above to find the committee hearing you are interested in watching.
The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. You can subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.
My updates from the Capitol are another great way to stay connected and respond with your input. If you haven’t subscribed or would like to receive my email newsletters please share this link with you neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
Stay in Touch
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have questions or feedback that you’d like to share. You can reach me by email at rep.jamie.becker-finn@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7153.
Sincerely,
Jamie Becker-Finn
State Representative