News – Page 217 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

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…

May 20, 2020

Senator Ruud’s Legacy Finance bill protects Minnesota’s natural resources

Last week, with unanimous support, the Senate passed Senator Carrie Ruud’s (R-Breezy Point) Legacy Finance bill. This year’s bill appropriates $117,915,000 to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF). Appropriations for the Legacy Fund are…

May 20, 2020

Senator Mathews Statement on Threatened Business Owners

Due to Governor Walz’s nearly two months of a mandated shutdown, rural businesses are now facing permanent closure while waiting for the governor’s decision to reopen fully. Many rural business owners have stated they can…

May 19, 2020

Senator Utke: End of 2020 Session and Legislative Update

This past Sunday at midnight the Minnesota Senate adjourned, ending the 2020 regular session on a somewhat open-ended note. While the Senate and House were able to pass many bills that will benefit Minnesotans, headline…

May 19, 2020

Minnesota Senate adjourns 2020 legislative session

May 19, 2020

Senator Housley secures on-sale liquor license for Castlewood Golf Course

Last week, the Minnesota Senate passed legislation that allows Castlewood Golf Course in Forest Lake to sell full strength alcohol after years of being limited to 3.2 percent ABV sales. The provision, which was included…

May 19, 2020

Senator Westrom visits Shady’s Hometown Tavern

Rural businesses are now facing permanent closure while waiting for the governor’s decision to fully reopen the state. Many rural business owners have stated they can no longer wait for this decision. A few have…

May 19, 2020

Sen. Gazelka to Gov. Walz: Asking 650,000 jobless Minnesotans to pay for state employee raises is adding insult to injury

(ST. PAUL, MN) – As Governor Walz and Commissioner Frans contemplate their decision on how to interpret the ratification of state employee union contracts this week, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka offered some advice on…

May 18, 2020

Senator Goggin: Our students deserve access to every career opportunity

Last week the Minnesota Senate passed a bill chief-authored by Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing) which requires school districts to provide military recruiters, skilled trades, and manufacturing representatives access to present their career opportunity information…