Dear Neighbors,
The 2021 Legislative Session officially began January 5th when I joined 133 other state representatives as we took the oath of office during a ceremony at the State Capitol.
I am looking forward to serving our community for another two years in the state legislature. This year, lawmakers will debate and approve a new two-year state budget. As always, I am committed to protecting the pocketbooks of taxpayers and will continue advocating for smaller government and more freedom for all 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:
- Ethics
- Higher Education Finance and Policy
- Education Finance
- Education Policy
Please be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions regarding state government.
Business Restrictions Eased
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 that were announced:
- Restaurants are allowed to 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 is allowed to 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 remains 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 good news for struggling businesses in our communities. Nevertheless, I will continue working to end the Governor’s peacetime emergency powers and restore the legislature as a constitutional co-equal branch of government.
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-6746 or via email at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn.
Have a good day,
Sondra