Dear Neighbors,
Good luck to all of our Grand Rapids winter sports teams as section playoffs and state tournaments are getting underway! Go Thunderhawks and make us proud!
Bill Hearing
My bill, House File 515, received its first hearing in the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee on Thursday.
This bill comes from an idea that originated in our community. It convenes a working committee that would establish standards to streamline 911 and emergency telecommunications across the state of Minnesota.
I am proud to have bipartisan support on this bill and am excited about the important step it would take in reorganizing the emergency telecommunications processes in Minnesota as the current system is a patchwork of different procedures across the state.
Business Restrictions Eased
Last week, the Governor announced an easing of restrictions. Here is a summary of the easing of restrictions that went into effect March 15th:
- Social gatherings: Up to 50 people outdoors or 15 people for indoor gatherings, both without household limits.
- Youth sports: Pod size increasing to 50 for outdoor activities.
- Religious services: Remove occupancy limit, but social distancing required.
- Celebrations: Follow venue guidance.
- Bars and restaurants: Increasing allowable occupancy to 75%, up from 50%, with a limit of 250 people. The limits apply separately indoors and outdoors. Bar seating increases to parties of 4.
- Salons/barbers: Removing the occupancy limit, but social distancing is required.
- Gyms/fitness centers/pools: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%. Outdoor classes can increase to 50 people.
- Entertainment venues: Increasing allowable occupancy to 50%, up from 25%, both indoors and outdoors, with a limit of 250.
As more Minnesotans are vaccinated, work from home will no longer be required – but it will continue to be strongly recommended – beginning April 15. All employers should continue to accommodate employees who wish to work from home.
Session Update
The voters of District 5B sent me to St. Paul to be their voice and to work on the issues that matter to the Northland and the state of Minnesota as a whole. A key component to legislating is the art of compromise. It was compromise that was instrumental in the writing of Our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. It is compromise that the entire legislative branch is built on.
Unfortunately, compromise is not happening at the State Capitol recently as House Democrats' “my way or the highway” approach to governing has led to the least productive start to a legislative session in recent history. In fact, through the first ten weeks of session, the House had passed just five bills, the fewest at this point in session since at least 1995 — as far back as records are available on the House website.
This is not OK when millions of Minnesotans and Main Street businesses across the state are hurting because of pandemic-induced shutdowns and need us more than ever.
The majority’s lack of compromise or sense of urgency is holding up critical issues like funding for our law enforcement, protecting Minnesota businesses and workers from tax hikes, and funding to help students get caught up after a year of distance learning.
These are simply the facts. I mean to share this not as a call to division or to be partisan, but as a call to inclusion. A call for us all to be better.
Let’s not let the letter by our name dictate whether we do what is right for the people of Minnesota. We all deserve honest leadership and a message of hope. We are beating this pandemic, Easter is on the horizon, and a well-earned summer of normality enjoying our friends, family, and community is upon us.
It’s time to lead. Let’s work together.
Staying in Touch
As your representative, it is my duty to listen to your thoughts, questions, and concerns regarding state government. Please do not hesitate to contact me, it would be great to chat. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4936 or via email at rep.spencer.igo@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Spencer