Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) released the following statement responding to Governor Walz announced mandate requiring masks statewide:

“Governor Walz continues to use his power like a Czar issuing executive order after executive order to rule Minnesota without any consultation of legislature or consideration of the uniqueness of all of Minnesota communities.  Today’s order issues a one-size-fits-all mask mandate to all of Minnesota that would treat Otter Tail and Douglas counties as if they were in the same situation with the Coronavirus as Hennepin or Ramsey.

“We know for a fact that Otter Tail and Douglas are not like the Twin Cities Metro area, our communities are more spread out and have been far less impacted by the effects of COVID-19. Life is different up here, and these sentiments aren’t exclusive to our counties either, as 40 counties across Minnesota have had 0 COVID deaths, and another 35 counties have less than ten deaths.”

“Despite this common knowledge of our differences and the situation we face, Walz’s order begins in the face of facts.  Similar to his behavior with closing down and crippling our businesses and his recent mulling on shuttering our schools Walz’s “One Minnesota” is quickly morphing to mean a state exclusively under his rule.”

“Leadership is not effective when you choose to lead that way.”

“Walz’s approach continues to undermine Minnesotans and their communities. We all know the threat of Coronavirus is real. We have had over four months to prepare, and have learned how to take precautions. The fact is that the majority of Minnesotans and communities are already taking appropriate measures to mitigate the spread of COVID. People are opting to wear masks, and many businesses are also freely choosing to require them.  So why not trust Minnesotans and empower them to make intelligent choices? Why not work with our local leaders to develop local solutions? Why not believe that if a community faced an outbreak that they wouldn’t recognize it and clamp down themselves? This is just another series of questions that Minnesotans should be asking Walz as he continues to consolidate authority under him.”