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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL)

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Legislative Update – January 8, 2021

Friday, January 8, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I want to start by sharing my disgust with the attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. While this was an attack on a building – our nation’s building – more than that it was an attack on our Democracy encouraged by President Trump’s dangerous rhetoric. It was an effort to undermine a free and fair election, an effort fueled by lies, misinformation, and baseless conspiracy theories. Tragically, five people have died, including a Capitol police officer. I’ve shared my thoughts in a longer form on Facebook here.

These events illustrate President Trump is no longer fit to serve in the most powerful position in the land. I hope Vice President Pence and the cabinet will move quickly to invoke their authority under the 25th amendment and remove him from office.


Legislative Session Begins

Tuesday, I took the oath of office to begin a new two-year term as State Representative. I’m grateful for the trust of my Duluth neighbors for the opportunity to serve at the State Capitol. In light of COVID-19 safety protocols, most House business will be conducted remotely this session. I was sworn in remotely from my office as were most legislators.

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Updated Public Health Guidance

COVID-19 remains a dire public health threat, and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent spread across communities. Good news is on the horizon though, and the vaccine continues to be distributed to front line workers and other vulnerable Minnesotans. It’s been difficult, but because Minnesotans stayed home and stayed safe during the holidays, we’ve also made progress with reduced case numbers, increased hospital capacity, and students are set to head back to the classroom.

Wednesday, Governor Walz announced he is once again turning the dials to remove some restrictions on dining, entertainment, gyms and other activities. Here is the new guidance, which begins next Monday, 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.
  • Pools opened on January 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent capacity.

We remain hopeful, but we need to remain cautious too. Minnesotans should continue to take precautions including wearing a mask, physically distancing from others, and getting tested when they feel ill. Let’s continue to protect our front line workers, vulnerable loved ones, and entire state so we can all emerge from this crisis.


Please Stay in Touch

Throughout the session, I hope you will feel free to contact me with your input, ideas, or if I can be of help to you or your family. My email address is rep.jennifer.schultz@house.mn and phone number at the Capitol is 651-296-2228.

I encourage you to keep up to date with the activity in Saint Paul. House Public Information Services has a variety of informative, nonpartisan resources, and livestreamed video is available on its YouTube channel. If you have friends, neighbors, or co-workers who you think would be interested in receiving these updates from my office, please share this with them; they can subscribe at this link.

Thank you for the honor to serve at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jen Schultz
State Representative