Dear Neighbors,
Even though it has felt like we have been in a perpetual session for the past year, this week is the official beginning of the 2021 session. I am honored to return to the Capitol for a third term where I will continue to advocate for your needs. I am up for the challenge of legislating during this pandemic and will continue to put the health and safety of our community first.
Wednesday’s attack on our nation's Capitol was appalling. This is un-American and disrespectful to the institutions of this country. This is not how a democracy handles a transition of power. If you lose an election, you don’t go to the street and storm our nation’s Capitol. You can read my full thoughts on what happened here. Here in Minnesota, I am confident in our local institutions and that the Legislature will continue to operate with dignity and honor.
Walz Announces New Covid-19 Protocols
Thanks to your collective sacrifice and willingness to dial back during the holidays, Minnesota has seen a sharp drop in the amount of Covid-19 cases. As a result, Governor Walz announced yesterday that several restrictions on certain activities and sectors will be loosened. While this is certainly encouraging news, please remember that an open Minnesota is a privilege and one we must all work for. Please continue to mask up, get tested, stay home when sick, and avoid large gatherings of people from separate households. Here are the new rules:
- 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 by 10 p.m.
- Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to 150. Machines and people should maintain 12 feet of distance. Classes increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Everyone must be masked.
- 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, or no more than 150 people. Masks required. No food service after 10 p.m.
- Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of Jan. 4 and games resume Jan. 14 with spectators. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged.
- Pools opened Jan. 4 for some activity and may now open, like gyms, at 25 percent capacity.
Committee Assignments & Tracking the 2021 Session
I’m excited to jump into the committee process and begin legislating for our community. Here are the committees I will serve on this year:
- Judiciary Finance & Policy
- Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance & Policy (Vice Chair
- Workforce and Business Development finance & Policy
- Education Finance
As we continue to operate under mostly remotely recommended public health guidelines, it’s important that we ensure openness and transparency for the public. The House is expanding the number of simultaneous committees it can?webcast live?from a maximum of two to five. You can use the link above to find the committee hearing you are interested in watching.
Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. You can subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.
My updates from the Capitol are another great way to stay connected and respond with your input. If you haven’t subscribed or would like to receive my email newsletters please share this link with you neighbors, coworkers, and friends.
Stay In Touch
If you have any questions about the virus, please feel free to reach out to my office at rep.tou.xiong@house.mn or 651-296-7807. You can also follow me on facebook.
Keep your comments, questions and concerns coming! I always enjoy hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Rep. Tou Xiong