Dear Neighbors,

Like many of you, I’m upset and angry following the attempted insurrection Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol. This type of violence is unacceptable, as is the rhetoric – much of it based in disinformation and baseless conspiracy theories – that fueled it. What happened yesterday was an attack on our democracy, a system of government that can only succeed when we trust one another as Americans. A new president will take office in less than two weeks, and it’s time to move forward with unity so we can emerge from our public health crisis, dismantle systemic racism, and build back following one of the most difficult periods in our nation’s history. I hope those who participated in and encouraged the chaos will be held accountable.

New Legislative Session Begins

On Tuesday, I had the honor of taking the oath of office to begin a new term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I’m grateful for this opportunity to serve at the State Capitol, and look forward to the work ahead helping Minnesotans emerge from the COVID-19 crisis and empowering them to thrive once it’s over.

The Minnesota House continues to operate mostly remotely, so I was sworn-in from my Capitol office. This was a highly unique opening day of the session, but keeping people safe is our most important priority as we begin our work at the Capitol.

COVID-19 Health Guidelines – Adjusting the Dials Again

The COVID-19 vaccine is being administered to some of the highest-risk Minnesotans, including health care workers and long-term care residents. We hope the supply can be increased and distribution will soon be accelerated, but this is a good step forward in our fight against the pandemic. Due in large part to the sacrifices Minnesotans have made by staying home during the holiday season, we’ve made some improvements in several metrics including new case counts and hospital capacity.

In light of this, Governor Walz announced a series of changes to public health guidance allowing more businesses to reopen and activities to take place. Starting Monday, January 11, the following changes take effect:

• 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; 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.
• Pools opened on January 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent capacity.

There is light at the end of the tunnel but the worst might not be yet behind us, and the new health guidance doesn’t mean we can return to things as normal quite yet. COVID-19 remains a dangerous threat to our community as it continues to spread and impact the health of Minnesotans. We all have a responsibility to remain vigilant against the spread of the virus by wearing masks around others, practicing social distancing, and staying home if we feel ill as well as getting tested. Information about free COVID-19 testing is available here.

Star Tribune Profile

This session, I’ll have the tremendous responsibility to chair the House Ways and Means Committee. This committee has oversight of the state budget, and I look forward to using this position to help ensure all Minnesotans have the opportunity to be safe, healthy, and successful, and to break down systemic inequities throughout our state. The Star Tribune recently published a story about my new position and how I feel my background prepares me well for it.

In addition to chairing the Ways and Means Committee, this session I’ll serve as a member of the Taxes, Capital Investment, and Rules and Legislative Administration Committees, as well as the Subcommittee on Legislative Process Reform.

Please feel free to reach out throughout the session to share your feedback, offer your ideas, or let me know if I can be of help. If your friends, neighbors, or co-workers would like to receive these email updates, please be sure to share this with them, and they can subscribe here. I also invite you to follow me on Facebook here for more frequent updates from the Capitol.

Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay strong. It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Rena Moran
State Representative