On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate successfully passed bipartisan legislation to allow businesses to be open with no state-imposed limitation so long as the business owner maintains their own COVID safety preparedness plan. This will allow Minnesota businesses to open their doors at their own pace while providing all the safety possible for employees and customers.

“Over the last year, Governor Walz has operated our state unrelentingly, making our businesses, families, neighbors jump through hoops to prove that they are responsible and can keep people healthy,” Senator Mark Koran (R- North Branch) said. “The reality, though, is that folks have always cared about their neighbors, and our businesses have always cared about protecting their customers and employees. Walz’s uncompromising approach has held our state back, and the rigidity of his response hasn’t fit our communities’ unique needs. The legislation passed today restores the balance between the government and the public. It entrusts Minnesotans to do what they’ve been doing all along, while also allowing us to get our economy up and running again safely.” 

SF 1 allows businesses to be open with their own precautions in place. Instead of limitations set for the entire state by the Governor, this bill will give the power back to the people to decide what measures they need in their business. It would prohibit a Governor from closing businesses by Executive Order under Chapter 12.21 or 12.31 unless there is a majority vote of the legislature. It would also require a notice of 14 days after a vote before taking effect, giving businesses ample time to prepare for the shutdown.

Minnesota’s economy has suffered dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. The Minneapolis Federal Reserve reports that Employment is down 8% from the previous year and that Labor force participation down from pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment also remains above pre-pandemic levels at 4.4% in December 20 vs. 3.3% in December 19.

The pandemic has been particularly severe for small businesses and Minnesota’s hospitality industry. The National Federation of Independent Businesses reported that 1 in 5 small business owners was at risk of closing due to economic conditions.   Additionally, nearly 100 restaurants closed in the Twin Cities metro in 2020. More than half of restaurants report they face insolvency in the next few months if things don’t improve.