Dear Neighbors,

I want to start this newsletter by sharing my deep frustration and sadness following yesterday’s chaos in Washington, D.C. For our democratic form of government to function, the peaceful transition of power following an election must be allowed to proceed. As these unacceptable events were unfolding in D.C., in Minnesota we have just started our 2021 Legislative Session. I take seriously my oath of office to uphold the United States and Minnesota Constitutions, and on Tuesday, I was honored to take the oath of office to begin my second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives serving Shoreview, Arden Hills, Mounds View, and Spring Lake Park.

Virtual Town Hall Reminder

Here’s a reminder about the Virtual Town Hall Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn, Sen. Jason Isaacson, and I are hosting on Saturday, January 9 at 10 a.m. The Town Hall will be held on Zoom (meeting ID: 831 1637 7275; passcode: 320937). I’ll also stream video of the event live on my Facebook page.

If you’d like to ask a question during the event, please email it to anna.borgerding@house.mn with “Town Hall” in the subject line, along with your name and address. You can also join the meeting by phone by calling 312-626-6799 and entering the ID and password when prompted.

We look forward to hearing from you about your ideas and priorities for the 2021 legislative session.

COVID-19 Guidance: Dials Turning

We continue to face significant challenges to overcome COVID-19, but I’m optimistic as we enter a new legislative session, we’re turning to a new chapter in our fight against the pandemic. I’m committed to working together to help ensure all Minnesotans can be safe, healthy, and economically secure.

Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz announced that certain restrictions on various activities and businesses will be relaxed starting Monday, January 11. The governor pointed to improvements in several metrics, including case counts and hospital capacity, as well as the distribution of the vaccine. The changes include the following:

• 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.

Although the dials are once again turning, and there is light at the end of the tunnel, the public health crisis presented by COVID-19 isn’t over. The virus remains extremely dangerous and we must remain vigilant as it spreads in our communities. We all must continue doing our part to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of all Minnesotans through wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home if we’re sick. It’s also important to get tested when experiencing symptoms, and information about free testing is available here.

Committee Assignments

This session, I’ll serve on four House committees and these assignments are closely aligned with my legislative priorities. I will continue in my role as Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and will also serve on Education Policy, Human Services Finance & Policy, and the Behavioral Health Division.

Additionally, I have the honor to serve as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore, and in this role I’ll occasionally be called on to preside over the House Chamber if Speaker Melissa Hortman is unavailable. I look forward to taking on this role with a spirit of fairness and respect for all members of the House.

Stay in Touch

I value hearing from you, and I hope you’ll be in touch with your input, ideas, or if I can be of assistance. My email is rep.kelly.moller@house.mn and phone number is 651-269-0141. If you have neighbors, friends, or family who you think would find these updates valuable, please share this with them; they can subscribe here. I also encourage you to “like” or “follow” me on Facebook. Lastly, I hope you can join us for our Town Hall on Saturday.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Sincerely,

Kelly Moller
State Representative