Dear Neighbors,
Hello friends, neighbors, and family! I am incredibly excited to begin my first term as your state representative. COVID-19 will continue to loom over everything we do. Nevertheless, I am ready to take on the challenge of legislating during these difficult times. I plan to fight for the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone in our community.
I want to speak briefly on the travesty that occurred at our nation's Capitol yesterday. Violence is never the answer to political disputes in our nation. We must all stand up for our democratic institutions and move forward with a peaceful transfer of power. Here in Minnesota, I am confident that my colleagues and I will govern with respect and dignity.
Walz Announces New Covid-19 Protocols
Thanks to your collective sacrifice and willingness to dial back during the holidays, Minnesota has seen a sharp drop in the amount of Covid-19 cases. As a result, Governor Walz announced yesterday that several restrictions on certain activities and sectors will be loosened. While this is certainly encouraging news, please remember that an open Minnesota is a privilege and one we must all work for. Please continue to mask up, get tested, stay home when sick, and avoid large gatherings of people from separate households.
Here are the new rules:
- 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; reservations are required; and establishments must close by 10 p.m.
- Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150. Machines and people should maintain 12 feet of distance. Classes increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Everyone must be masked.
- 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, or no more than 150 people. Masks required. No food service after 10 p.m.
- Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of Jan. 4 and games resume Jan. 14 with spectators. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
- Pools opened Jan. 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent capacity.
Committee Assignments & Tracking the 2021 Session
I’m excited to dive into the committee process and get to work for our community. As you may have heard on social media, here are the committees I will serve on this session:
- Behavioral Health Policy
- Agriculture Finance & Policy
- Higher Education Finance & Policy
- Human Services Finance & Policy
As we continue to operate under recommended public health guidelines, it’s important that we ensure openness and transparency for the public. The House is expanding the number of simultaneous committees it can?webcast live?from two to five. You can use the link above to find the committee hearing you are interested in watching. More information about my committees are also on my website.
The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. You can subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.jessica.hanson@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4212. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jess Hanson, District 56A
421 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155