Legislative Update: January 15, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

It is an honor to be your new state representative in House district 66B.

The 2021 Legislative Session started on January 5th, with a historically different swearing in ceremony. Adherent to public health guidelines, many of us took our oath of office virtually, and plan to do the majority of our work remotely this session. 

I look forward to fulfilling my oath of office by working with you to build a state that works better for all of us. I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions, ideas, and feedback you have about policy, leadership and current events. I look forward to serving you!

2021 First Priorities 

This week, my colleagues and I in the House DFL, announced our first priorities for the session. We will work to introduce and implement legislation that will provide assistance to Minnesotans impacted by COVID-19, strengthen worker protections, better support people experiencing houselessness, support our education system, and ensure affordable child care is available to those who need it. Throughout this session, these legislative newsletters will include updates on the issues and legislation I will be introducing and advocating for on your behalf.

Vaccine Distribution Update  

Over 150,000 Minnesotans have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is being administered in phases, with health care workers and long-term care residents being a priority, followed by essential workers, those 65 or older, and those with underlying health conditions. To stay updated throughout the vaccine distribution process, I would recommend regularly visiting Minnesota’s new Vaccine Data Dashboard.

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. 

You're Invited!

On Saturday, January 23rd, at 10 A.M., Sen. John Marty, Rep. Alice Hausman and I will join together for a virtual town hall and talk about issues important to District 66. I want to extend a personal invitation for you to join us in conversation and help get our community more engaged in state legislature.

Get Involved and Stay In Touch

Public hearings are a great opportunity to learn and participate in the legislative process. All of them are live streamed on one of the House webcast channels, and you can view the agenda and materials that legislators receive on each committee’s webpage. If you can’t catch a hearing live, they’re usually uploaded to House Public Information Service’s YouTube channel later that day. I encourage you to check out the hearing schedule and get involved!  

For any questions you have on the resources available to our community or our work in the Minnesota House, please feel free to contact my legislative assistant Sonia Romero at sonia.romero@house.mn or 651-296-4307. 

In Solidarity, 

Athena Hollins

Minnesota State Representative (House District 66B)