Dear Neighbors,

I’d like to extend my gratitude to the residents of  District 63 in Minneapolis and Richfield for re-electing me and entrusting me to continue to fight for our values in the Minnesota Senate. 

This past year was particularly challenging for many people across our District, State, and our Nation who are grieving the loss of a loved one during the Pandemic. My heart goes out to you and your families. As we anxiously await for our turn to be vaccinated, we need to continue to rely on each other to navigate the challenging months ahead.

Shortly after we started the session this week, we witnessed violent attacks at the US Capitol that have been difficult to process. Our democracy was assaulted this week when a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol during the certification of the electoral votes. This insurrection was an attack on our democracy and should be condemned and rejected by every American. Our work to strengthen our democracy and make our country a better place to live for everyone, must continue.

I’m excited to share that I’ve been appointed to serve as the lead Democrat in the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee, and I will also serve in the Energy and Ethics Committees. Members of the POCI -People of Color and Indigenous people- Caucus, also elected me to serve as Chair of the Caucus. I’ll serve in this capacity along with Representatives Samantha Vang and Hodan Hassan. 

I plan to continue to do everything in my power to secure the resources necessary to ensure the reconstruction of  business and infrastructure in our district, and address the challenges we face in our beloved City of Minneapolis. I’m fully committed to continuing to advocate for the most vulnerable people in our community.

One of the most important things I need to do this year is to ensure our office has an effective process in place to communicate with constituents. The State Capitol is closed to the public and our buildings will have very limited access. I welcome your ideas to remain open and accessible to you.

Below is a brief summary of the process we have in place to communicate with you.

Patricia

Engaging with the Legislature Virtually 

Following Committees

• Full list of Senate committees found here.
  • 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 lists
  • This page lists all committees in one place for those wishing to sign up for multiple committees at once.
• Combined Legislative Meeting Calendar found here.
  • The Senate typically is in session on Mondays and Thursdays at 11 am, and frequently additional days as the May deadline approaches.

Tracking Legislation

• 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 at 11 am, 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. ‘92nd Legislature, 2021-2022).
• Set up an individual tracking mechanism here.

Contacting your Legislators

• 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.

Senator Torres Ray’s Contact Information
95 University Ave. W., Suite 2225
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-4274
sen.patricia.torres.ray@senate.mn

Governor Walz’s Announces Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

Governor Walz 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 11th. 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.