Legislative Activity for April 19, 2021

Today, both the Minnesota House of Representatives and Minnesota Senate held floor sessions to debate and pass budget bills and other legislative priorities.

Minnesota Department of Health Briefing

This afternoon, officials from the Minnesota Department of Health conducted a media briefing with reporters to update the public on the spread of COVID-19 and discuss COVID-19 vaccination.

Walz to Extend Emergency Powers

During a press availability with reporters today, Governor Tim Walz announced that he will be notifying the legislature tomorrow that he will extend his peacetime emergency powers for another 30 days.

Walz Press Availability

Following an event today to highlight state efforts to connect food service works with COVID-19 vaccines, Governor Tim Walz took questions from reporters.

Legislature Returns from Recess

The legislature returned today from the Easter/Passover recess. Committees met throughout the day and both chambers had brief floor sessions at noon.

Legislative Recess Begins Tomorrow

The legislature will be in recess for the Easter and Passover holidays starting tomorrow. The recess will continue through Monday, April 5. Legislative activity will resume at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6.

Walz to Announce Vaccine Eligibility Expansion Tomorrow

This afternoon, Governor Tim Walz’s office released the following statement:

“Tomorrow, Governor Walz will announce that all Minnesotans 16 years of age and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination beginning Tuesday, March 30. The final eligibility expansion comes as the federal government has promised an increased supply of vaccine by April, and as Minnesota has become a national leader in getting shots into arms quickly. This week Minnesota was ranked number one in the country for the percentage of vaccine doses administered to Minnesotans. The state has vaccinated 80% of our seniors, outperforming the nation, and has also vaccinated at least two-thirds of our school and child care personnel.”

Minnesota Department of Health Briefing

This afternoon, officials from the Minnesota Department of Health conducted a media briefing with reporters to update the public on the spread of COVID-19 and discuss COVID-19 vaccination.

Walz to Quarantine After COVID-19 Exposure

Today, Governor Tim Walz’s office released the following statement after the governor and other state officials were potentially exposed to COVID-19 on Monday: