Dear Neighbors,
The 2021 legislative session officially began on Tuesday as I joined 133 other state representatives in taking the oath of office at the capitol in St. Paul.
As the 2021 legislative session begins, I remain committed to working hard to end Governor Walz’s peacetime emergency powers and restore the legislature as a constitutional co-equal branch of government. Additionally, I plan to hold the line on increased government spending and will continue to fight for taxpayers and protect the pocketbooks of hardworking Minnesotans.
Most of my work during the first months of session will take place in House committees. For the 2021-2022 legislative biennium, I have been appointed to serve on the following committees:
- Labor, Industry, Veterans, and Military Affairs Finance and Policy
- Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy
- Education Policy
- Subcommittee on Minnesota Water Policy
Governor Eases Business Restrictions
On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced a loosening of restrictions on businesses and events. These changes go into effect late Sunday evening. Here is a summary of the changes announced:
- Restaurants can reopen at 50 percent capacity with a max of 150. Groups can include no more than six people, and tables must be spaced six feet apart. Bar service can resume to customers in groups of two. Restrictions on dining between 10PM and 4AM remain in place.
- Gyms remain capped at 25 percent, maximum capacity raised to 150, and classes can be increased to 25 people with distancing.
- Outdoor events and entertainment capacity remain at 25 percent with the maximum capacity raised to 250.
- Indoor entertainment and events (bowling alleys, movie theaters, museums, etc.) may open at 25 percent with a cap of 150.
- Youth and adult sports games may resume January 14 with spectators subject to the same indoor entertainment restrictions.
- Pools are open at 25% capacity.
- Wedding receptions and other "private parties" may resume with limits. If food and drink is served there is a limit of two households or 10 people indoors and 3 households/15 people outdoors. If there is no food/drunk, they are covered by the event/entertainment restrictions.
- Churches remain open at 50% but the overall capacity limit has been lifted so there is no maximum.
This is a step in the right direction for the thousands of businesses that have been harmed by the Governor’s shutdowns. Nevertheless, we ultimately need to remove the emergency powers and allow businesses to safely reopen.
Staying in Touch
Please continue to reach out to me to share your questions, thoughts, or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4293 or via email at rep.john.poston@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
John