Dear Neighbors,
The 2021 legislative session officially began on Tuesday as I joined 133 other state representatives in taking the oath of office. I look forward to getting to work on passing a new, two-year state budget and fighting to end the peacetime emergency.
I will continue working to end the Governor’s emergency powers, restore the legislature as a constitutional co-equal branch of government, and make sure that Minnesotans voices are represented again with the legislature back on equal footing with the Governor.
With a budget deficit, there is no reason to raise taxes and further harm Minnesotans that have been struggling through the Governor’s devastating shutdowns. Government needs to share in the sacrifice, that is why I will work to cut wasteful spending and streamline our budget.
Most of my work during the first months of session will take place in House committees. For the 2021-2022 legislative biennium, I have been appointed to serve on the following committees:
- Human Services Finance and Policy
- Judiciary Finance and Policy
- Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy
Business Restrictions Eased
On Wednesday, the Governor announced that he is easing some of the restrictions he has placed on businesses. Details are as follows:
- Restaurants can reopen at 50 percent capacity with a max of 150. Groups can include no more than six people, and tables must be spaced six feet apart. Bar service can resume to customers in groups of two. Restrictions on dining between 10PM and 4AM remain in place.
- Gyms remain capped at 25 percent, maximum capacity raised to 150, and classes can be increased to 25 people with distancing.
- Outdoor events and entertainment capacity remain at 25 percent with the maximum capacity raised to 250.
- Indoor entertainment and events (bowling alleys, movie theaters, museums, etc.) may open at 25 percent with a cap of 150.
- Youth and adult sports games may resume January 14 with spectators subject to the same indoor entertainment restrictions.
- Pools are open at 25% capacity.
- Wedding receptions and other "private parties" may resume with limits. If food and drink is served there is a limit of two households or 10 people indoors and 3 households/15 people outdoors. If there is no food/drunk, they are covered by the event/entertainment restrictions.
- Churches remain open at 50% but the overall capacity limit has been lifted so there is no maximum.
This is a step in the right direction and will help some of the businesses that have been harmed but it doesn’t go far enough. It’s time to allow all businesses to safely reopen and trust Minnesotans to protect themselves and their neighbors.
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas on ways to improve state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4237 or via email at rep.paul.novotny@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Paul