(ST. PAUL, MN) –  Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R- East Gull Lake) released the following statement after Governor Walz announced he was extending the Peacetime Emergency Declaration for an additional 30 days, until May 13, 2020:

“Senate Republicans recognize the governor’s authority to extend the peacetime emergency another 30 days to May 13, 2020. We also recognize terminating the emergency would require an affirmative vote from both the House and Senate. Our hope is Governor Walz will soon lay out his plan to reopen Minnesota’s schools, churches, businesses, and activities after May 4, 2020. He clearly understands the healthcare emergency caused by the COVID-19 virus. We need to be assured he also understands the economic emergency caused by his response.”

The Senate passed three bills totaling more than $500 million for COVID-19 response and mitigation efforts in the state. All three bills passed with unanimous support from the Senate.