Legislative Update - The 2021 Legislative Session

Dear Neighbors, 

I am honored to serve and represent our community in the Minnesota House of Representatives. For those of you unfamiliar with me, my name is Esther Agbaje, and I’m the new State Representative for District 59B in Minneapolis.

As a negotiator, as a lawyer, and as a former program manager, I already know how to advocate for our district and find common ground with other legislators in St. Paul, and I look forward to hearing from you about your ideas for the district and for Minnesota. ?Together, we can build the inclusive and just society we deserve.

Last week’s start of the 2021 Legislative Session might have understandably slipped your mind, as many of us were preoccupied with the horrific news coming from our nation’s capital. The violent act of sedition we saw in Washington D.C. was the all too predictable result of a system of disinformation that sought to undermine the very core of our democracy - the peaceful transition of power. 

I joined 33 of my colleagues in the DFL House in signing a letter calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th amendment to the U.S. Constitution and remove President Trump from power. More than anything else, we need to show that there are consequences for these violent and undemocratic actions. 

The 2021 Legislative Session

The start to our legislative session in Minnesota had a different feel this year because of the pandemic. Adhering to public health guidelines, the bulk of our public work this year will take place virtually, including taking the oath of office.

This session, I’m happy to share that I’ll be serving on the House’s Capital Investment, Housing Finance and Policy, Preventive Health Policy Division, and Taxes committees, and as the Vice Chair of the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee. While this will be the focus of my committee work, I’m excited to champion varied legislation that improves our community and state. To follow along with the work in the Minnesota House, the legislature’s website is a great source for our daily schedule, and we’ve added additional livestreams to ensure all of our official work can be easily viewed by the public. 

Turning the Dials for COVID-19

Thanks to our combined efforts of adhering to public health guidelines, COVID cases are on a consistent downward trend in our state. In response to this, last week Governor Walz 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. 

Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Grants

Through the bipartisan efforts of my legislative colleagues last year, small business and nonprofit relief grants are now available throughout the state. 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.

Stay In Touch This Session

I believe our work in the Minnesota Legislature will be at its best when it’s open and responsive to the needs of our community. I hope you take advantage of the various ways you can stay up to date on our efforts - and how to contact me and my office. I’ll also be sure to share helpful information with you as well - such as my recent interview with Africa, Let’s Talk, which you can watch here. 

I’ll be regularly sending out these legislative updates, which I encourage you to share with other interested members of our community, and you can subscribe to them here. My legislative webpage is a great place to keep tabs on our work, and I also encourage you to “like'' and follow my new official Facebook page. 

If you have any questions or comments, the best way to contact me is either (651) 296-8659 or rep.esther.agbaje@house.mn. When contacting our office, you’ll either get through to me, or my legislative assistant, Tenzin. I look forward to working with you. 

Sincerely, 

Esther Agbaje 

State Representative, 59B