On Thursday the Minnesota Senate again voted to end Governor Walz’s emergency powers. For the last year, Minnesotans have been left to rely on announcements from the Governor’s office, dictating whether their businesses can open, whether their kids can return to school, and whether they can visit with family members without violating executive orders. Current law requires a majority vote from both the House and the Senate to repeal an Emergency Order. 

“We’ve been living under unilateral decisions for a year, and this is not the way our government was meant to run,” said Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville). “Minnesotans have elected representatives and senators to be their voice in St. Paul, but the Legislature has been cut out of any meaningful decision-making. Our government was meant to run with the Executive Branch and Legislative Branch coming together to solve issues—we are meant to be equal partners in governing. The goal posts keep moving to suit the Governor and his desire to hold onto unilateral decision-making, and it’s not right.”

This Session, the Minnesota Senate has passed multiple COVID-related relief bills. Bills passed with bipartisan support include legislation to safely reopen schools and businesses, and to achieve federal PPP tax conformity.