Legislative Update: January 14, 2021

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Dear Neighbors,

It is an honor to be your new state representative. I have hit the ground running to help meet Minnesotans’ many needs and look forward to working with you to build a state that works better for everyone. Adherent to public health guidelines, many of us took our oath of office virtually, and plan to do the majority of our work remotely throughout the 2021 Legislation Session. 

Getting Settled In

In the first week, I spent a lot of time getting acquainted with new systems and new colleagues. We were trained in on the new remote voting system and participated in our first floor session, approving the procedural rules. It was inspiring to see the skill, passion, and precision with which my DFL colleagues work within the strict constraints of the rules. My main takeaways are that the House staff is incredibly helpful, my colleagues are incredibly gracious and supportive, and this process is incredibly complex! 

2021 First Priorities 

This week, the House DFL announced our first priorities for the session. In my role, I’m preparing to introduce several bills in the coming weeks, including a bill that will positively impact immigrant victims of crimes, as well as a bill aimed at protecting student data privacy. More details will follow soon.

Events of January 6, 2021

In the midst of the exciting and daunting first week, rioters overran the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The images and reporting of this unthinkable event were jaw-dropping. To make matters worse, we were confronted by the stark difference between how the pro-Trump mob was treated as compared to recent Black Lives Matter protesters. President Trump needs to be held accountable for his role in the attempted insurrection, up to and including impeachment and removal from office. I eagerly await the Biden administration and a return to a leader who prioritizes the U.S. Constitution over self-promotion, and a Cabinet of skilled and compassionate professionals.

Loosened COVID Restrictions Now In Place

Thanks to our combined efforts of adhering to public health guidelines, COVID cases are are on a downward trajectory in Minnesota. In response, Governor Walz has loosened restrictions on bars, restaurants, gyms, and other venues and gatherings - which are now in place.

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 (this is not the case in Minneapolis); 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.

While this is helpful for our local businesses, it remains incredibly important that we continue to social distance, wash our hands, wear a mask, and get tested. 

Stay In Touch

One of my favorite aspects of being a Representative has been receiving emails from constituents. I’ve received correspondence from individuals about COVID-19 safety precautions, separation of powers, vaccination rates, prioritization of teachers and school-adjacent service providers for vaccines, limitations on offensive displays in public buildings, limitations on false information pertaining to elections, and education policy. While not all of these communications shared my opinion, I valued the opportunity to hear from members of the community and to respond with my thoughts.

You can stay up to date on our work for the 2021 Legislative Session by subscribing to these legislative updates and “liking” my official Facebook page. For any questions you have on the resources available to our community or our work in the Minnesota House, you can reach me at rep.sandra.feist@house.mn or leave a voicemail at (651) 296-4331. I look forward to hearing from you.

In Solidarity, 

Sandra Feist

Minnesota State Representative (House District 41B)