Week four of Legislative Session is behind us and bills are moving steadily through committees. In Human Services Reform where I am honored to be ranking member, we had some deep discussion on bills related to workforce shortages with Personal Care Assistance, support for parents of children with disabilities, and increasing inclusion of all people in Minnesota in their communities.
The Governor also released his budget proposal and the Health and Human Services budget was presented at a high level in Committee on Thursday. There were some impressive investments met with equally disappointing cuts to key service areas. You can find more details on that within this newsletter, and as I learn more I will share it with you all. There are also some Vaccine updates as the state works to ensure we utilize the vaccines we have swiftly.
Week three has come in a flurry as we try to bring up bills that were missed last year after the initial shut down and covid relief as well as handle business that needs to be done this year.
I am deeply grateful and honored to be the ranking member in Human Services Reform. Over the last couple of weeks we have begun moving legislation and holding hearings on everything from disability services to behavioral health, including mental health care and substance abuse recovery in our state and the dire need for supports and services. Working across the aisle we have seen real facts be acknowledged and begun the process of changing that is required to enhance what our state has to offer.
It will be an incredibly fast session as the first deadlines were announced for March. I will keep fighting to make this challenge productive as we move forward and continue the good work already started.
With the second week of session behind us the work is already moving swiftly. Bills are being printed and dropped and critical discussions about the budget are being prepared. Due to the inability to get bills jacketed and sent over in person, we had to develop new and innovative ways to get our jacketed bills over to the other chamber. There is already a massive influx of the bill requests and the the added new process makes it somewhat of a challenge. Never the less, the legislative session will only ramp up from here and it is full speed ahead!
Today is my daughter Hope’s birthday. Happy Birthday Hope, you continue to educate this dad and I love you so much. Happy Birthday.
I would also like to acknowledge that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is this coming Monday. This is a day of reflection as we consider the service and sacrifice of a man that showed us what it is to dream of excellence and solidarity, and as a country he unified us in many ways. It is also a day to reflect on how far we still have to go to create a just world for all. Thank you for your service and reminding all of us that we can and should dream for inclusion and justice for all. Here is to you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
And thank you all for the honor of serving as your State Senator. Please reach out if you have any ideas and thoughts to share, all of my offices contact information is at the bottom of the page. I can only represent you at my best when you have reached out to let me know what you think.
Sincerely,
John
Meetings for the Year
We will be starting the year in a hybrid legislative format, meaning that some Senators will continue to work remotely while others will be in-person at the Capitol. Most Monday through Thursdays, I will be at the Capitol and you’ll see me on the Senate Floor.
Committees this year will start this year with all members on Zoom. As vaccine distribution increases, and cases of COVID-19 wane, we will enter a hybrid model of committee attendance. Due to the unpredictable nature of the virus, we do not have a rigid timeline when this will happen but will update you as we are informed of changes. You can watch committees and floor online by clicking HERE.
With threats of armed protest, the Senate encourages Minnesotans to avoid the Capitol
Following the assault on the U.S. Capitol, reports have surfaced of the potential of white nationalist and far-right groups instigating violence at state capitols throughout the country — including at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, over the next few days through the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden.
While the State Capitol Complex will be secure and under the protection of the Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota National Guard, the Senate DFL is encouraging Minnesotans to avoid the state capitol and counter protesting in the proximity of these potentially dangerous gatherings until the threat has passed.
The reports of planned demonstrations by supremacists, militia members, and other extremists right here in Minnesota should concern each and every Minnesotan — and present a real and credible danger to the community and public. The first priority must be the safety of Minnesotans and each other. We are thankful for the fast response of our State Patrol in keeping our Capitol safe. We are discouraging people and groups from planning any counter protests that may be targeted by these groups over the next week. Stay home and stay safe.
Health and Human Services
The Senate Human Services Reform Committee heard a presentation this week on our state’s Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). This program serves some of our lowest-income families with children. Parents are expected to work, and the state provides cash and food assistance to help families meet their basic needs. About 27,000 families and 55,000 children in Minnesota rely on temporary help from MFIP while they seek financial stability through employment. Families participating have had very little access to COVID-19 relief as they are not eligible for unemployment insurance and many did not receive the federal government’s COVID-19 stimulus relief checks.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Regent candidate recommendations announced This week the Regent Candidacy Council recommended 12 candidates to fill four open spots on the University Board of Regents. The Board of Regents fulfills a critical role with the University of Minnesota as it helps govern, sets budgets, and works with the administration to achieve all aspects of the University’s mission.
Four seats are open for appointment every two years, for a six-year term. The board seats to be filled this year are from Minnesota’s 1st, 4th, 6th and 7th Congressional Districts. The Senate Higher Education Committee announced the candidates moving forward to the Legislature are:
• CD1: Val Aarsvold, Ruth Johnson and Randy Simonson (incumbent). • CD4: Daryl Alkire, James Farnsworth and Karen Schanfield. • CD6: David Hoang, Michael Hsu (incumbent) and Kodi Verhalen • CD7: Doug Huebsch, Lucas Sjostrom and Michael Yost
These recommendations will go to the House and Senate Higher Education Committees, which will recommend candidates to the full Legislature in a joint session. The recommendations to the full House and Senate are due by February 28. The House and Senate of the Legislature will then have a joint session where the Legislatures will vote on the final Regents.
The Senate Judiciary Committee met this week to hear from the Department of Corrections about their pandemic response. Incarcerated populations have seen a higher impact from this virus because of the nature of the congregated living facilities and the coming and going of prison staff, so the Department’s response has been critical in keeping all Minnesotans safe.
The department looked at COVID-19 release programs, including work release and conditional medical release, to reduce the state’s prison population. Reducing the population in the state’s prison system allowed for greater social distancing and reduced the number of individuals that might come in contact with an individual with COVID. All those released were considered low-risk and received supervision in their communities.
Mitigation and response plans are also in place for individuals that contract COVID-19 or come in close contact with a contagious person. Department staff is being screened before each shift for COVID-19 symptoms before entering any of the facilities, district field offices, and the central office.
All medical co-pays for incarcerated individuals have been waived to encourage reporting of symptoms, and there are plans for medical isolation and non-punitive quarantine for incarcerated individuals that have had close contact with an infectious person.
However, the corrections system is a congregate living situation and COVID-19 is easily spread. This is why Minnesota’s Department of Health has allocated around 400 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to treat the state’s highest-risk individuals in incarceration as part of the COVID management plan.
Over half of the roughly 7,000 individuals incarcerated in the state’s prison system have contracted COVID-19, and nine individuals have died. It is important that while supplies are limited vaccinations reach those facing the highest risks of contracting COVID-19 or facing severe illness as a result of contracting it. This includes Minnesota’s incarcerated individuals, many of whom are high-risk.
More information about COVID-19 in the state’s corrections system can be found on the department’s dashboard here.
Thank you!
It is my greatest honor to represent you the citizens of Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids here at our great state capitol. In addition to representing you, I absolutely enjoy it when you come visit. You must schedule with our office to arrange an appointment before any arrival, and we also do Zoom meetings! So reach out and tell me what matters to you or schedule an appointment so I can continue working on your behalf. You can reach me by email at sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn or by phone at 651-296-4154. I am at 95 University Avenue Suite 2235 in the Minnesota Senate Building
Sincerely,
Senator John Hoffman
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call my office at 651-296-4154 or by e-mail at jhoffman@senate.mn
It has been a tumultuous week as session started here in Minnesota. I took my oath of office after having been re-elected by those I serve. It was a deep honor on Tuesday to reaffirm the vows I’ve taken twice before. There was, however, another event that occurred on Wednesday that I wanted to address.
Click above for full Video!
As an abled white man with privilege, I am obligated to condemn the heinous acts Wednesday incited by corruption and irresponsibly carried out by terrorists who, because of the color of their skin, did not face immediate consequences.
My daughter reminded me of how on June 22nd, 2017 disability activists protested on Capitol Hill against cuts to Medicaid, resulting in 43 arrests of people being removed from their wheelchairs and their mobility aids taken away.
Our honorable Hubert Humphrey wisely said, “the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, those who are in the twilight of life, and those who are in the shadows of life.”
Must we remember to protect life, liberty and justice for ALL.
Every Minnesotan deserves the right to feel safe in their community, to have economic opportunity and stability, to have affordable, accessible health care, and to receive a world-class education – from kindergarten to college. Every family deserves stable housing, high-quality childcare, and the ability to take care of their loved ones without fear of losing a job. Every person deserves a life of dignity, whether in the earliest years of their life or their twilight years. All workers, not just our front-line heroes, deserve fair wages and the right to collectively bargain. Our communities deserve an economic system that works for the main street, not big corporations. And future generations deserve the right to enjoy clean air, clean water, and to fully enjoy the natural bounty we are fortunate enough to have.
Thank you.
John
Click above for full video
Each member of the Legislature swore an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of Minnesota, and to faithfully discharge the duties of their office. Each of us, not just legislators, but citizens throughout the country, have a duty to reject any attempt to subvert our constitution or our great democracy.
A letter signed by all 31 members of the State Senate DFL Caucus was sent to President Trump condemning the violence and sedition witnessed yesterday at the U.S. Capitol. It was also sent to representatives of the state’s federal delegation.
Although face-to-face interactions within the Capitol complex will be extremely limited this session, nonpartisan staff have been working hard to make it easier to follow the legislative session and interact with elected officials.
Select the committee of interest, scroll to the bottom of the page to find committee schedules, recordings of hearings, and a list of bills in committee.
Click on “subscription page” to have your email added to the committee listserv
This page lists all committees in one place for those wishing to sign up for multiple committees at once.
Senate bill introductions are posted at this link, typically one day prior to the next scheduled Floor session. The Senate typically is in session on Mondays and Thursdays, and frequently additional days as the May deadline approaches.
Search for specific bills here. Make sure the correct legislative session is selected before searching (i.e. ‘92ndLegislature, 2021-2022).
Find who represents you at the State Legislature, enter your address at this site
Visit the senator’s website to contact them directly via email and sign up for weekly newsletters and/or video updates.
Sign up for the Senate DFL Week in Review newsletter here
Offices: make this more specific to you by adding Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/etc. follow information here if desired, mention town hall meeting dates, virtual office hours you may be doing, etc.
General information
Visit this page to sign up for Senate Daily Orders of Business, bill introductions, TV schedules, and other general information about the Senate.
The House of Representatives offers many similar services. Visit house.leg.state.mn.us.
Thank you!
It is my greatest honor to represent you the citizens of Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids here at our great state capitol. In addition to representing you, I absolutely enjoy it when you come visit.You must schedule with our office to arrange an appointment before any arrival, and we also do Zoom meetings! So reach out and tell me what matters to you or schedule an appointment so I can continue working on your behalf. You can reach me by email at sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn or by phone at 651-296-4154. I am at 95 University Avenue Suite 2235 in the Minnesota Senate Building
Sincerely,
Senator John Hoffman
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call my office at 651-296-4154 or by e-mail at jhoffman@senate.mn
Covid/Executive Order Updates
New Public Health Measures Thanks to the actions Minnesotans have taken, the COVID-19 situation has improved over the past month. The Governor announced yesterday that some restrictions will be loosened. Here are some of the significant changes that will take effect on January 11:
Indoor dining will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Reservations will be required, and bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m. Indoor events and entertainment venues may open with limited capacity. Wedding receptions and other private events may resume with limits. Maximum capacity for gyms and outdoor events will increase. Youth and adult sports can resume games on January 14. .
Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan is an immense undertaking that has required thoughtful planning and coordination. The state has already distributed nearly 300,000 doses of vaccine to provider sites across the state, and over 80,000 Minnesotans have received a vaccination. This is a huge accomplishment seeing as though there wasn’t even an approved vaccine one month ago. But we know there is a long way to go as shipments from the federal government remain limited, which restricts our ability to get vaccines to everyone who wants one.
The Aging and Long-Term Care committee, which I am honored to serve on again this year, heard an update from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) this week on COVID-19 testing and immunization for Minnesota’s aging populations. Older adults living in congregate settings, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, are at increased risk during this pandemic due to the threats of COVID-19. Spikes in community spread throughout the state have forced many facilities to halt their visiting policies, adding more emotional strain on these residents. This is why state and federal guidance puts long-term care residents in the first priority group to receive vaccines, along with many of the state’s health care workers.
Immunizations of Minnesota’s most vulnerable have already begun. Some nursing homes and assisted living facilities are participating in a federal pharmacy partnership program which has encountered issues during rollout, though others are using local pharmacies and public health departments coordinated by MDH, which can move doses faster. As we continue to receive more shipments of vaccine from the federal government, Minnesota will move to immunize adults aged 75 and older, with those aged 65 and older following afterward. More information on the timeline for vaccine rollout in those groups will be available in the coming weeks as we get a better idea of how much vaccine we can expect to receive from the federal government.
We want COVID-19 vaccines to be administered as quickly and as safely as possible so we can all return to a more normal life. States across the nation are struggling with limited vaccine supply, so we must be patient as we make sure those at highest risk of contracting COVID-19 and those most at risk for serious illness have access to the immunizations they need until more is available for the general public. While Senate Republicans continue to criticize Governor Walz’s every move without offering solutions or plans, DFLers are committed to identifying what gaps remain in funding or support for our long-term care industry so the Legislature can be an effective partner in overcoming this pandemic.
The Governor announces easing of COVID-19 restrictions
The Governor made an announcement this week about the easing of COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place over the past two months. Due to the slowing of new positive COVID-19 cases after a peak in November, the governor has made the decision to re-open specific sectors of the state economy including indoor dining. Changes will go into effect on Monday, January 11. The governor emphasized that this action is taken with the understanding that Minnesotans still need to remain cautious and take proper precautions.
The new guidelines in place:
Indoor dining at bars and restaurants can be open at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 150 people. Parties of no more than 6 people, with six feet distance 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% but maximum capacity is 150 and classes can be increased to 25 people, assuming distancing can be observed. Machines and people must maintain nine feet of distance. Face coverings are required.
Outdoor events and entertainment continue at 25% capacity, but maximum capacity increases to 250. Social distancing is required.
Indoor events and entertainment – like bowling alleys, movie theaters, and museums – continue at 25% capacity, with no more than 25 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 sport have resumed practice as of January 4, and games resume January 14 with spectators, following the appropriate capacity limits for indoor and outdoor venues. Inter-region tournaments and out of state play are discouraged
Pools, like gyms, increase to 25% capacity.
Wedding receptions and other private parties may resume with limits. If food and drink are served at the event, then they are limited to two households or 10 people indoors and three households or 15 people outdoors. If there is no food or drink, they are covered by event venue guidelines. Any related ceremony – like a wedding or funeral ceremony – is guided by rules for ceremonies and places of worship. Places of worship remain at 50% capacity but without an overall maximum capacity
E-12 Committee
The Senate’s E-12 Committee held an unofficial meeting this week. They heard about schools re-opening but did not discuss any concrete plans for bringing Minnesota students back into the classroom.
The meeting focused mostly on parents discussing the difficulties of distance learning, especially for students with learning disabilities, and their desires to have their schools re-open. A few school board members discussed their challenges, and the Minnesota Parents Union was represented by a number of the presenters. There were no teachers, school staff, or administration presenters although representatives from the Education Department are slated to testify next week and discuss the MDE Safe Learning Plan. Another presenter said they represented the Let Them Learn group that they claimed has 6,000 members. The group only has a private Facebook page with 6,000 followers.
The Governor announced a phased school re-opening plan last month; it was not mentioned during the meeting. Elementary schools can bring students back to the classroom on January 18, and youth sports will begin January 11.
The 2021 Session begins today and we have many issues before us. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Senate District 36 and the State of Minnesota. While we work on handling Covid and vaccine distribution the primary purpose of this year is a budget year. This is when we decide how we spend a majority of our budget for the following two years.
Vaccines will also be distributed over the coming months. In this Newsletter you will find information on Covid resources of all kinds, as well as information on vaccines and priority. Something important I’d like to make clear is that no Vaccine will be mandated, so it is optional once it is available to you.
Also, thank you to everyone who participated in our Toy Drive! It was a massive success thanks to all of those who donated to light up the lives of children.
As the Christmas holiday quickly approaches, I’m reminded of this quote from Mary Ellen Chase – an important American literary scholar and graduate from the University of Minnesota: “Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind. ” It is my hope that all of you can spend Christmas filled with good food, laughter and love.
I want to pause and thank you for the honor of a 3rd term representing you in the Minnesota Senate. It is a privilege and I never take it for granted. Your input is invaluable and while we will not always be in full agreement on all issues, we can always agree we have much to be thankful for in being able to call Minnesota home.
As the country slows down for a few days while we celebrate Christmas and ending the Hanukkah celebration, let us each remember our military women and men serving our country. Many on distant shores. We thank our police, nurses, fire fighters and all who are working to keep us safe and well over the holiday. Also, those facing difficulties in day-to-day life. It is a precious time for family, friends and community.
As we prepare for the holidays, I hope you are all safe and healthy. The year is almost over and it has been a long one for us all. With that in mind there is hope that in the coming year, we will transition over time to a normal we all miss.
A vaccine is on the way. It will not be out as fast as any of us would like, but it is coming. Below you’ll find more information on Minnesota’s plan to ensure we get the most vulnerable and frontline workers and then the rest of the state.
We move forward into a new year with new hopes and opportunities. Stay safe everyone, and Happy Holidays.
Happy Holidays this season! As we look to the end of the month I hope we all find something be to joyful about. This has been one of the most challenging years in the memory of many but we have persevered. Science has been learning more and we may have Vaccines sometime in the early months of next year for Covid-19.
I know I am grateful for my family, friends, and all of those I serve and have the honor to continue serving at the Minnesota Legislature. Keep in touch, stay safe and I wish you all the best.
There is so much I am grateful for this holiday season. I have a loving wife, a daughter who consistently amazes me and makes me a proud father everyday, and thanks to you I get to be your state Senator.
I want to pause and thank you for this past year representing you in the Minnesota Senate. It is a privilege and I never take it for granted. Your input is invaluable and while we won’t always be in full agreement on all issues, we can always agree we have much to be thankful for in being able to call Minnesota home.
I hope you and yours are safe and healthy. I wanted to inform you of a vote I took today during our second special session. I have voted in the past to open the state and end the Governor’s emergency powers as we had the curve under control with COVID. However, as we have progressed we have seen the numbers begin to climb in regards to cases within our state. Part of this may be because of other states having less safety measures and travel between them and ourselves. Part of it may be to safety policies not being followed as we have begun to open up as a state. There may be a variety of other reasons but what we do know is the numbers, and we need the ability to respond in real time to address this issue and cease the climb and instead bring the numbers back down.
That is why I have now voted to extend the peace time emergency powers of the Governor and released a public statement you can see below that expresses the many important protections in place right now due to the current executive orders, that if the peacetime emergency ends they will all end as well. Continue reading “Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: July 13, 2020”
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