Legislative Update- January 7, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

My heart goes out to the families of those killed in yesterday’s rioting in Washington D.C. Violence is never a solution, and the peaceful transfer of power and governance of our nation- the very foundation of our democracy- must continue. We have work to do for the state of Minnesota, and I am committed to ensuring our legislative session can function respectfully and safely to get the best results our Plymouth community deserves.  

Legislative Session Begins

On Tuesday, the 2021 Legislative Session got underway, and I was honored to take the oath of office to begin my second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives serving our Plymouth residents and families. Working together, I am optimistic we can find common ground on commonsense solutions that help us recover from the pandemic and keep us moving forward.

Small Business Grant Applications Open

As a result of the bipartisan collaboration in successful work between the House, Senate, and Governor, additional economic support is now available to our small businesses in Plymouth. 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.

You’re Invited: Virtual Town Hall Meeting

On Saturday, January 16 at 10 a.m., Rep. Acomb, Senator Johnson Stewart and I will host a Virtual Town Hall Meeting to hear from you about your ideas and priorities for the legislative session. We’ll meet using the videoconferencing platform Zoom. Here’s how you can join us:

Join Meeting: https://tinyurl.com/y28ww86c

Meeting ID: 981 6317 7895

Passcode: 733138

You can also join us by phone by calling 312-626-6799 and entering the ID and password when prompted.

Looking forward to seeing you and hearing from you next Saturday!

COVID-19 Guidance: Dials Turning

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.
• Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity.

Committee Assignments 

This session, I’ll serve on the following committees: Agriculture Finance & Policy; State Government Finance & Policy; Higher Education Finance & Policy; and Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance & Policy. I’m also excited to share that I’ve been appointed as the vice chair of the House Redistricting Committee, which will be tasked with drawing fair and equitable state legislative boundaries. I look forward to working with Chair Murphy as we develop a map that enhances civic engagement opportunities for all Minnesotans.

Plymouth Police Chief Goldstein Retirement News

You may have heard about Police Chief Mike Goldstein’s plans to retire at the end of this month. His dedicated service to Plymouth spans over nearly three decades! Police Chief Goldstein’s advocacy and partnership was instrumental in helping get the “hands-free” cell phone bill passed into law in 2019. I will miss working with him, especially in my new role serving on the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee. Thank you for your service, Chief Goldstein!

Stay in Touch

As always, please contact me anytime at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn or 651-296-5511. I appreciate hearing from you!

My weekly updates from the Capitol are also a great way to stay connected 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.

I also encourage you to “like” or “follow” me on Facebook. Lastly, I hope you can join us for our Town Hall on the 16th!

Thank you for the honor of serving our Plymouth community at the State Capitol.

Please be well.

Sincerely,

Ginny Klevorn

State Representative