Dear Neighbors,

I want to thank everyone for their engagement over the past year, which has encompassed one of the most trying times we’ve experienced. No matter the difficulties we’ve encountered, I’m encouraged and motivated by the way people have cared for one another, called out injustices, and have come together to help strengthen our community and state.

Economic Assistance

Monday night, the Minnesota House approved a new COVID-19 Economic Assistance Package to help workers and businesses impacted by the pandemic. Here are some highlights of the legislation, which Governor Walz signed into law yesterday:

• A 13-week extension of unemployment benefits. Without this legislative action, over 100,000 Minnesota workers were on track to lose benefits on December 26 when funding under the federal CARES Act expires.
• $88 million of financial aid to businesses experiencing economic harm due to the pandemic. Those eligible businesses include restaurants, bars, coffee shops, breweries, wineries and distilleries with taprooms or tasting rooms, caterers, bowling alleys, and some gyms and fitness centers. The Department of Revenue will be in touch with eligible businesses in the coming days about the next steps to deliver the payments.
• $14 million worth of grants to movie theaters and large convention centers.
• $114.8 million for county grants to other affected businesses, including hotels, museums, arcades and live theater venues.

Additionally, I authored a section of the bill to help the hospitality industry by waiving or delaying some fees. Among these fees are those for 2 a.m. liquor licenses, caterers that serve alcohol, wastewater permitting for small breweries, and certain late payment penalties for food-related businesses. These establishments make our communities vibrant, but too many of them are facing difficult odds to simply hang on. We have to do anything we can, no matter how small it may seem, to help them through this crisis.

This bill unfortunately doesn’t solve every problem Minnesotans are facing due to the virus, but will serve as a much-needed bridge while public health guidelines remain in place and until the federal government – hopefully – delivers a more comprehensive relief package.

Vaccine Distribution Plan

Good news is here: the first COVID-19 vaccines in the state of Minnesota have been administered. Last week, Governor Walz announced Minnesota’s COVID-19 Distribution Plan, which aims to maximize the biggest health benefit while delivering the vaccine equitably and with transparency. The vaccine will be offered in phases, with the first group being long-term care residents and health care workers. Workers in other essential sectors will be next. The initial supply is limited, so it will take a few months to get the vaccine to everyone. Still, this next step represents a light at the end of a very long tunnel.

New Leadership Position

When the 2021 legislative session convenes, I’m honored to step into the role of Deputy Majority Leader. In this position, I’ll continue my work helping advance an agenda allowing everyone in our state to be safe, healthy, and economically secure. I’ll also serve as Speaker Pro Tempore, presiding over House Floor sessions when Speaker Melissa Hortman needs a break.

This past year has been full of difficulties, and too many Minnesotans continue to struggle. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to continue in a leadership role for the House DFL majority as we continue our work to ensure all Minnesotans can succeed and thrive.

Please reach out to me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. I hope you and your family have a safe, enjoyable holiday season.

It’s an honor to represent you.

Sincerely,

Liz Olson
State Representative