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All of these committee assignments reflect an important priority of mine as your state legislator; ensuring we all have an opportunity to succeed and thrive, especially as we continue to recover from the pandemic and civil unrest of 2020. I continue to fiercely advocate for the passage of the PROMISE Act; the funding our South Minneapolis businesses and infrastructure needs to rebuild after the murder of George Floyd.
COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives to Minnesota
Last month, the first COVID-19 vaccine shipments arrived in Minnesota. The Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center was one of the first regional locations to receive the initial batch.
Vaccination administration is underway with health care workers and long-term care residents are in the first tier of prioritization, followed by essential workers, seniors, and people with preexisting conditions that are more likely to become seriously ill with this virus. While the arrival of the vaccine is incredibly good news, we’re still months away from it becoming available to all who want one. In the meantime, it’s important that we continue adhering to the public health guidelines that have kept our communities safe - social distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask, and getting tested when we feel sick.
Special Session Results in Bridge Assistance for Minnesotans
Governor Walz extended the peacetime emergency on December 14th and called the House and Senate back for our 7th special session of the year. I’m pleased to share we were able to pass a bipartisan compromise of a $216 million economic assistance package that includes direct support for small businesses and a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. This assistance package was designed to bridge us until a larger, robust federal response bill.
The news of a recent deal struck in Congress on a $900 billion COVID-19 assistance package is encouraging, but we could not afford to wait on the possibility of a compromise falling through, especially with Republicans’ insistence on protecting the wealth of corporations and the well-connected.
Our bill, which the governor signed into law, contains $88 million in direct payments to restaurants, bars, and gyms; $14 million for convention centers and movie theaters; and $114.8 million for local economically significant businesses and organizations, including non-profits, that will be distributed by counties.
More highlights of the bill include:
- Waiver or delay of a series of fees for the hospitality industry, including caterers that serve alcohol, wastewater permitting fees for small breweries, and certain late payment penalties for food related businesses.
- Extension of the deadline for families to apply for free and reduced-price lunch. I carried this piece of legislation to ensure our kids and families have access to meal and academic support amid the pandemic.
Unfortunately, State Senate Republicans would not agree to advance a more robust funding package to address housing insecurity during the pandemic, childcare grants, and direct financial assistance to struggling families. This is deeply disappointing, especially for our South Minneapolis families and neighbors who have been struggling since March of last year. I’m in communication with our Minnesota congressional delegation for updates about any progress on passing more relief in the new year.
Hennepin County Announces Grant Applications are Open
As a result of the legislation I mentioned above, Hennepin County has now opened the small business grant application process for businesses and nonprofits financially impacted by the pandemic. The online application form is now live and can be accessed here. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any help with the application or have questions about eligibility.
New Public Health Guidance
Health care providers asked Minnesotans for more support for critical care beds and as a result of our collective efforts, the COVID-19 spread has slowed across the state. Recognizing our progress – but understanding we need to remain cautious – the governor announced today the opening more activities and sectors of the economy.
Beginning January 11:
- 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 there is much to be thankful for and hopeful about in the New Year with vaccination administration underway. However, it’s important we stay vigilant in our efforts to control community spread of the virus, especially as a new, more transmissible variant is popping up across the country. Let’s continue working together to keep each other safe by wearing a mask, washing our hands frequently, getting tested, social distancing, avoiding unnecessary trips when possible.
MN House Select Committee on Racial Justice
The Minnesota House Select Committee on Racial Justice held a remote hearing recently to consider the adoption of its full report to the Legislature. The draft report calls on the Legislature to act to dismantle racism and includes a series of policy recommendations in areas such as economic development, housing, education, public safety, health and human services, and environmental justice. You can learn more about the select committee here.
U.S. Postal Service Station Relocating
This year, the USPS is proposing to relocate the Minneapolis Minnehaha Post Office location to the Minnehaha Station 3033 27th Ave. S. USPS is seeking public input on the proposed location. Comments from the public can be sent to:
Attn: Minnehaha MN Station- Relocation
United States Postal Service
P.O. Box 27497
Greensboro, NC 27498
Public comments will be accepted until January 21.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime via email or phone at rep.jim.davnie@house.mn or 651-296-0173 with questions, input, or to let me know how I can be of assistance.
It’s an honor to represent our South Minneapolis community. Thank you!
Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Jim Davnie
State Representative
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