News – Page 208 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

August 5, 2020

Senator Michelle Benson Responds to Walz’s “19 Year Old Cooks” Comment About National Guard

Governor Walz recently commented on Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s claims of hesitation to send in the National Guard to Minneapolis on May 27 with this statement, “I don’t think the mayor knew what he was…

August 4, 2020

Senator Kiffmeyer’s Legislative Update

Friends and Neighbors, Governor Walz recently issued a statewide mask mandate. Many Minnesotans are understandably frustrated with this unilateral decision. Since he announced his peacetime emergency powers in March, he has ordered statewide business closures,…

August 4, 2020

Senate Ingebrigtsen, colleagues, hold Budget Commissioner to his word: Complete an August Forecast

On Monday, Senate Republicans released a letter to Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Myron Frans asking him to keep his promise to conduct an August budget forecast. The effects of the coronavirus on the…

August 3, 2020

Housley: I stand with my friends in the Jewish community

Today Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point) issued a statement regarding recent comparisons made between COVID-19 restrictions and the Holocaust: “In 2016, in a self-funded trip to Israel, I had the privilege of traveling with…

August 3, 2020

Senate Republicans hold Budget Commissioner to his word: Complete an August Forecast

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Today Senate Republicans released a letter to Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) Commissioner Myron Frans asking him to keep his promise to conduct an August budget forecast. The effects of the…

August 3, 2020

Sen. Newman: Thoughts on Gov. Walz’s executive order requiring masks

Mandatory Masks in Minnesota; Executive Order 20-81. Governor Walz’s executive order mandating mask-wearing in the state of Minnesota creates many questions about the balance between individual liberty and public health. Additionally, some legal questions…

July 31, 2020

Senator Housley’s Hair and Makeup Licensure bill in effect today

Earlier this year, bipartisan legislation was passed and signed into law by Governor Walz. It exempts freelance hair and makeup artists from being required to obtain a full cosmetology license. The bill, authored by Senator Karin Housley (R-St.…

July 31, 2020

Senator Westrom: Back to school plans “could lead to instability for kids”

(St. Paul, MN) – Back to school plans were announced by Governor Walz on Thursday. On its face, the administration says they are allowing initial decisions to be made locally, but in “collaboration with the…

July 31, 2020

New Laws Effective Aug. 1, 2020

New Laws Effective Aug. 1, 2020 Courtesy of House Public Information Services. The following is a list of select new laws passed during the 2020 regular and special legislative sessions that take effect Aug. 1,…

July 31, 2020

Senator Rarick: Back to school plans may be less flexible than they appear

(St. Paul, MN) – Back to school plans were announced by Governor Walz on Thursday. The administration is allowing local districts to plan their initial return, though under state guidelines and with the knowledge that…

July 31, 2020

Sen. Limmer: Thoughts about the governor’s announcement regarding the fall school year

Friends and neighbors, Earlier this week, Gov. Walz announced that he will grant individual school districts the flexibility to reopen while factoring in their own unique circumstances. In addition, the guidance includes a “matrix” that…

July 31, 2020

Jasinski: Governor’s announcement about fall school year puts educators and families in tough spot

Parents, educators, and students across Minnesota spent weeks and months eagerly awaiting the governor’s announcement about how schools will be allowed to reopen, but when he made his announcement on July 30, it appeared hardly…

July 30, 2020

Jensen: Kids need to return to classroom

Today, Governor Walz announced his decision on school reopening for the state of Minnesota. Senate Republicans have encouraged the Governor to allow local districts to decide the best way to safely educate students this school…

July 30, 2020

Senator Ruud: Today’s announcement falls short

Today, Governor Walz announced his decision on school reopening for the state of Minnesota. Senate Republicans have encouraged the Governor to allow local districts to decide the best way to safely educate students this school…

July 30, 2020

Sen. Newman: Glad Gov. Walz chose to give schools flexibility on reopening, but late decision does a disservice to families and educators

Minnesota state Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement providing guidance to schools on reopening. “I am pleased with the direction the governor chose today, but…

July 30, 2020

Senator Kiffmeyer: This decision should be left in the hands of local leaders and teachers

Today, Governor Walz announced his decision on school reopening for the state of Minnesota. Senate Republicans have encouraged the Governor to allow local districts to decide the best way to safely educate students this school…

July 30, 2020

Senator Housley: No clear direction forward after today’s decision

Today, Governor Walz announced his decision on school reopening for the state of Minnesota. Senate Republicans have encouraged the Governor to allow local districts to decide the best way to safely educate students this school…

July 30, 2020

Sen. Pratt: Giving schools flexibility on reopening is the right decision, but Governor’s announcement should have been made weeks ago

Minnesota state Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement providing guidance to schools on reopening. “The governor’s decision to lean toward giving schools flexibility on…

July 30, 2020

Senator Benson approves local control for schools; wonders if state plans are workable

(St. Paul, MN) – Back to school plans were announced by Governor Walz on Thursday. The administration is allowing local districts to plan their initial return, though under state guidelines and with the knowledge that…

July 30, 2020

Senator Mathews: Give local districts complete control to implement Gov. Walz’s school plan

(St. Paul, MN) – Back to school plans were announced by Governor Walz on Thursday. The administration is allowing local districts to plan their initial return, though under state guidelines and with the knowledge that…