News – Page 212 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

June 2, 2020

Senator Housley: “We need to see a better executed, more comprehensive plan”

Following the conclusion of today’s Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, committee chairwoman Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point) issued the following statement: “While I appreciate the commissioner and her staff participating in today’s hearing, there…

June 2, 2020

Gazelka: Support the human rights investigation, allow transparency to restore trust

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) released the following statement: “I support the Department of Human Rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. As Commissioner Lucero said, Minnesota has…

May 29, 2020

A message from Senator Paul Anderson

Dear Friends, Like many of you, my heart has been broken all week for George Floyd. What happened to him is inexplicable, sickening, and so very sad. Justice must and I believe will be served…

May 28, 2020

Senate’s food bank fundraiser crushes goal

A Senate-led fundraiser to benefit food banks across Minnesota has officially come to a close, and the effort was a tremendous success. In less than one month, the effort raised a grand total of $18,325…

May 27, 2020

Freelance hair and makeup exemption signed into law

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

May 22, 2020

Senator Rosen End of Session Legislative Update, May 21

Greetings Neighbors! We completed the 2020 Session here at the Capitol Sunday night. Although things are still changing on a daily basis, I remain encouraged by the community we have in District 23 during these…

May 22, 2020

Memorial Day message from Senator Kiffmeyer

Friends and Neighbors, On this coming Monday May 25th, we as American citizens, observe Memorial Day, a day that serves to commemorate the brave men and women who have given their lives while serving in…

May 21, 2020

Senator Anderson’s Legislative Update

Friends and Neighbors, The 2020 session has come to a close. COVID-19 transformed a lot of our process this year as we prepared for the projected surge and worked to support our Minnesota families and…

May 21, 2020

Senator Housley responds to reports of botched testing in state’s response to long-term care

After reports of botched COVID-19 testing at long-term care facilities in Minnesota, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, issued the following statement: “The residents and staff of long-term…

May 20, 2020

Benson: Church guidelines are disrespectful of faith communities

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Deputy Majority Leader Michelle Benson (R- Ham Lake) released the following statement in response to Gov. Walz’s recommendations for the next phase of re-opening amid the coronavirus pandemic: “Governor Walz is tone…

May 20, 2020

Senator Chamberlain statement: Time for Gov. Walz to ‘throw out dials’ and focus on long-term care

State Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) today issued the following statement: “Enough is enough. At the beginning of this whole thing we understood the restrictions Gov. Walz put in place — especially with the limited…

May 20, 2020

Gazelka: Cavalier decision for state worker pay raise chills cooperation

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R- East Gull Lake) released the following statement in response to the Walz Administration’s decision to give state employees a raise in the middle of record unemployment. “The Governor’s…

May 20, 2020

Senator Housley disappointed in lack of focus on long-term care

In response to Governor Tim Walz’s press briefing on Wednesday, May 20, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, issued the following statement: “Neither Governor Walz nor…

May 20, 2020

Gazelka: No reason to discriminate against churches

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R East Gull Lake) released the following statement in response to Gov. Walz’s recommendations for the next phase of re-opening amid the coronavirus pandemic: “Throughout history, the church…

May 20, 2020

Ruud, Senate Republicans Raise Concerns About Executive Authority, Civil Complaints Under Executive Orders

Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) added her signature to a letter Senate Republicans sent today to Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison raising concerns over the administration’s interpretation of peacetime emergency powers and…

May 20, 2020

Senator Nelson’s bill allowing Medical Assistance patients to participate in clinical trials passes in end of session HHS bill

Legislation by Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) to increase access to clinical trials for Minnesotans using Medical Assistance (MA) was included in a compromise health and human services policy bill that passed at the end of…

May 20, 2020

Senate Republicans Raise Concerns About Executive Authority, Civil Complaints Under Executive Orders

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senate Republicans sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison raising concerns over the administration’s interpretation of peacetime emergency powers and the use of enforcement action. The letter…

May 20, 2020

After adjournment, Senator Relph highlights accomplishments of 2020 legislative session

On Sunday, the Minnesota Senate adjourned the 2020 regular legislative session sine die just before ahead of its constitutional deadline for passing legislation. “It was a different session, but we were still able to get things done…

May 20, 2020

Senator Housley again urges Governor Walz to take decisive action in long-term care

On Wednesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune exposed significant shortfalls in Minnesota’s response to COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care facilities. In response, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point), chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee, called on Governor…

May 20, 2020

Senate Republicans pass bill prioritizing environmental protections

Last week, the Minnesota Senate passed an environment policy bill authored by Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria). The bill includes several policy items and funding proposals heard in the Environment Committees this session. Senator Carrie Ruud…