Legislative Update - The 2021 Legislative Session & Town Hall

Dear Neighbors, 

We’re a week into the 2021 Legislative Session, though the return to our official work in St. Paul may have understandably slipped your mind with the chaos in D.C. last week. We are living through a sad chapter in our nation’s history. We need to condemn not only those who stormed the US Capitol, and the words of President Trump as he incited violence and sympathized with those calling for violence, but also the politics of fear and division that has led us to this point. 

We need a politics that pulls us together, that helps us see the needs we share in common across our differences. This isn’t a left vs. right fight, actually it’s an up vs. down struggle.  During the pandemic, the wealthiest have gotten wealthier, and the most powerful corporations have gotten bigger. Addressing this extreme inequality through the structures of government is where we will find the solutions we need. This will take people coming together, seeing ourselves in one another, and building trust.

At the Minnesota Legislature, we’re doing the work needed to start creating a budget for the state of Minnesota. My focus will be creating a budget that works for all Minnesotans, one that creates a more just and equitable state, and helps us address our shared challenges. 

I write with a heavy heart, but with an even deeper commitment to our shared work that strengthens the common good.

The 2021 Legislative Session & Town Hall

The start of this legislative biennium looked very different this year. The first day of session usually sees the House floor packed with friends and family as we take our oath of office. As with many things during this pandemic, we had to adapt.

This session, I’m happy to share that I’ll be serving on the House Agriculture Finance and Policy, Behavioral Health Policy Division, Climate and Energy Finance and Policy, and Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy committees - in addition to my new position as Assistant Majority leader. 

To discuss the 2021 Legislative Session and any questions constituents across the district may have, I’m holding our first virtual town hall of the year this Saturday, January 16, at 10:30am. You can submit questions and RSVP for the event here. We’ll be hosting the event on Zoom, but will also stream onto my official Facebook page as well. I look forward to hearing from you!

Turning the Dials on COVID-19

Thanks to the combined efforts of Minnesotans, we’re currently experiencing a consistent downward trend of COVID cases in our state. In response, Governor Tim Walz announced that certain restrictions on various activities and businesses will be relaxed, which are now in effect. 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; 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 good news for our local businesses, it remains incredibly important that we continue to social distance, wash our hands, wear a mask, and get tested when we feel sick. 

Stay Connected This Session

With the majority of our work being virtually this session, that unfortunately means that the public will not be able to physically sit in on a committee hearing, watch a floor debate from the gallery, or meet with me in-person to discuss issues for our community. These are all crucial components to our democracy, and we have established ways for the public to continue to participate in our work in as safe and healthy a manner as possible.

The Minnesota House webpage remains the best source for daily legislative schedules, and we’ve added new livestreams to ensure all of our official work can be viewed remotely. You can also visit my legislative page for the latest on my work and how to contact me. I also invite you to “like” and follow my official Facebook page. 

The best way to reach out to me with any questions or comments is by email at rep.todd.lippert@house.mn, or by calling me at (651) 296-0171. You’ll either get me, or our legislative assistant, Lindy. Also, please feel free to share and subscribe to these legislative updates, which you can do here. I believe the work at the legislature is at its best when it’s open and inclusive, and I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely,

Todd Lippert