2021 Session off to a mostly virtual start
State lawmakers returned the Minnesota Capitol Tuesday, but many made the trip only in spirit, logging in from home or their legislative offices due to the pandemic Author: John Croman Updated: 11:24 PM CST January 5, 2021
ST PAUL, Minn January 5, 2021 wasn t your traditional opening day in the Minnesota Legislature. Th
ere was no sign of the normal class reunion vibe with hugs, high fives and selfies. The pandemic protocol dictated a much more subdued launch at the State Capitol.
In fact, 113 of 134 House members took their oaths of office from remote locations around the Capitol complex and other places in order to limit exposure the coronavirus inside the House Chamber. They appeared in groups of nine a TV monitor on the House floor, split up Brady Bunch style, to be sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Paul Thissen.