Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Liz Boldon (DFL)

Back to profile

First Week of the 2021 Session

Friday, January 8, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I am incredibly honored and excited to begin my first term as your state representative. The COVID-19 pandemic rightfully continues to be the focus of much of our work and I am ready to take on the challenge of legislating during these difficult times. I am committed to fight for the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone in our community.

I want to speak briefly on the coup attempt that occurred at our nation's Capitol this week. Though it was a very dark day for our country and our democracy and institutions are being tested like never before, our institutions are strong and I am confident that we will govern in a functioning and respectful manner. It is my priority to keep our staff and members safe while getting input from the public. I expect Minnesotans to abide by the rule of law and treat legislators, staff, and each other with respect and dignity. We have a lot of work to do to repair the damage caused by white supremacy and disinformation and I’m committed to that work.

Walz Announces New Covid-19 Protocols

Thanks to your collective sacrifice and willingness to dial back during the holidays, Minnesota has seen a 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 dialed back. While this is certainly encouraging news, please remember that we all need to continue to work together to keep each other safe, which will in turn, allow our kids to get back in schools and business to stay open. 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.

Dial update

Committee Assignments & Tracking the 2021 Session

I’m excited to familiarize myself with the committee process and get to work for our district. Here are the committees on which I will serve this session:

  • Early Childhood Finance & Policy
  • Health Finance & Policy
  • Human Services Finance & Policy
  • Local Government Division

As we continue to operate under 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.  

The 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.  

Stay in Touch

I always appreciate hearing from you, so please feel free to share your questions, ideas, and feedback. Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.liz.boldon@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-9249. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please be safe and stay in touch.

With gratitude and hope,

Rep.Liz Boldon, District 25B
533 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155