As I write this, right-wing rioters have stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt
to prevent the certification of the Electoral College votes electing Joe Biden
President of the United States. I am shaken by what I am seeing and its
implications, but not surprised. We knew this was coming. It’s been building
for years - Trump encouraging violence at campaign rallies; "many fine people";
the rise of the Proud Boys, III%ers, and Patriot Prayer groups; "stand down and
stand by"; threats of intimidation and violence surrounding the election; the
denigration of the demands of the summer Black Lives Matter protests and
dehumanization of communities of color; the refusal to accept the election
outcome; the reinforcement of baseless conspiracy theories. It's the death
throes of white supremacy. What might Inauguration Day look like? Such a sharp
contrast with Georgia yesterday going to the polls in a secular celebration of
democracy versus these rioters’ direct attack on that same democracy. My
thoughts are with members of Congress and their staff.
Minnesota Legislature Kicks off 2021 Session
The legislative session got underway yesterday and I’m excited to share I’ll be
serving once again as the chair of the House Education Finance Division. I’ll
also be on the following committees: Commerce; Early Childhood Finance &
Policy; and Workforce and Business Development Finance & Policy.
I’ve also been entrusted with the Ethics Committee chairmanship, which is a
unique responsibility. It is the duty and responsibility of the House to hold
ourselves and each other accountable. The Ethics committee only holds hearings
when a complaint has been filed against a member. In these tense and
conflictive political times, I hope members comport themselves appropriately
and that we can find ways to resolve conflicts and avoid complaints.
All of these committee assignments reflect an important priority of mine as
your state legislator; ensuring we all have an opportunity to succeed and
thrive, especially as we continue to recover from the pandemic and civil unrest
of 2020. I continue to fiercely advocate for the passage of the PROMISE Act;
the funding our South Minneapolis businesses and infrastructure needs to
rebuild after the murder of George Floyd.
COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives to Minnesota
Last month, the first COVID-19 vaccine shipments arrived in Minnesota. The
Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center was one of the first regional
locations to receive the initial batch.
Vaccination administration is underway with health care workers and long-term
care residents are in the first tier of prioritization, followed by essential
workers, seniors, and people with preexisting conditions that are more likely
to become seriously ill with this virus. While the arrival of the vaccine is
incredibly good news, we’re still months away from it becoming available to all
who want one. In the meantime, it’s important that we continue adhering to the
public health guidelines that have kept our communities safe - social
distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask, and getting tested when we feel sick.
Special Session Results in Bridge Assistance for Minnesotans
Governor Walz extended the peacetime emergency on December 14th and called the
House and Senate back for our 7th special session of the year. I’m pleased to
share we were able to pass a bipartisan compromise of a $216 million economic
assistance package that includes direct support for small businesses and a
13-week extension of unemployment benefits. This assistance package was
designed to bridge us until a larger, robust federal response bill.
The news of a recent deal struck in Congress on a $900 billion COVID-19
assistance package is encouraging, but we could not afford to wait on the
possibility of a compromise falling through, especially with Republicans’
insistence on protecting the wealth of corporations and the well-connected.
Our bill, which the governor signed into law, contains $88 million in direct
payments to restaurants, bars, and gyms; $14 million for convention centers and
movie theaters; and $114.8 million for local economically significant
businesses and organizations, including non-profits, that will be distributed
by counties.
More highlights of the bill include:
• Waiver or delay of a series of fees for the hospitality industry, including
caterers that serve alcohol, wastewater permitting fees for small breweries,
and certain late payment penalties for food related businesses.
• Extension of the deadline for families to apply for free and reduced-price
lunch. I carried this piece of legislation to ensure our kids and families have
access to meal and academic support amid the pandemic.
Unfortunately, State Senate Republicans would not agree to advance a more
robust funding package to address housing insecurity during the pandemic,
childcare grants, and direct financial assistance to struggling families. This
is deeply disappointing, especially for our South Minneapolis families and
neighbors who have been struggling since March of last year. I’m in
communication with our Minnesota congressional delegation for updates about any
progress on passing more relief in the new year.
Hennepin County Announces Grant Applications are Open
As a result of the legislation I mentioned above, Hennepin County has now
opened the small business grant application process for businesses and
nonprofits financially impacted by the pandemic. The online application form is
now live and can be accessed here. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you
need any help with the application or have questions about eligibility.
New Public Health Guidance
Health care providers asked Minnesotans for more support for critical care beds
and as a result of our collective efforts, the COVID-19 spread has slowed
across the state. Recognizing our progress – but understanding we need to
remain cautious – the governor announced today the opening more activities and
sectors of the economy.
Beginning January 11:
• Indoor dining at 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 dine-in service by 10 p.m.
• Gym capacity remains capped at 25 percent but maximum capacity increases to
150 and classes can increase to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed.
Machines and people must maintain 9 feet of distance. Face coverings are
required.
• 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, with no more than 150 people in each area of
the venue. Face coverings are required, and they may not offer food service
after 10 p.m.
• Youth and adult organized sports have resumed practice as of January 4 and
games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity
limits for indoor or outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state
play are discouraged.
• Places of worship remain open at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum
capacity.
While there is much to be thankful for and hopeful about in the New Year with
vaccination administration underway. However, it’s important we stay vigilant
in our efforts to control community spread of the virus, especially as a new,
more transmissible variant is popping up across the country. Let’s continue
working together to keep each other safe by wearing a mask, washing our hands
frequently, getting tested, social distancing, avoiding unnecessary trips when
possible.
MN House Select Committee on Racial Justice
The Minnesota House Select Committee on Racial Justice held a remote hearing
recently to consider the adoption of its full report to the Legislature. The
draft report calls on the Legislature to act to dismantle racism and includes a
series of policy recommendations in areas such as economic development,
housing, education, public safety, health and human services, and environmental
justice. You can learn more about the select committee here.
U.S. Postal Service Station Relocating
This year, the USPS is proposing to relocate the Minneapolis Minnehaha Post
Office location from Minnehaha Station 3033 27th Ave. S. USPS is seeking public
input on the proposed location. Comments from the public can be sent to:
Attn: Minnehaha MN Station- Relocation
United States Postal Service
P.O. Box 27497
Greensboro, NC 27498
Public comments will be accepted until January 21.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime via email or phone at <email obscured> or
651-296-0173 with questions, input, or to let me know how I can be of
assistance.
It’s an honor to represent our South Minneapolis. Thank you!
Stay safe.
Sincerely,
Jim Davnie
State Representative
Cooper resident