The Minnesota Senate today passed legislation that would give businesses individual authority to create and implement safety preparedness plans for re-opening their doors safely. Businesses across the state have different needs, and a one-size-fits-all mandate is not a solution. This legislation seeks to prevent future mass closures of businesses.

“The bottom line is that the Governor has operated unilaterally, and our businesses have unfairly been left to suffer,” said Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville). “Business owners are concerned that their voices aren’t being heard. Representatives and Senators were elected to represent the concerns of their constituents and the Governor has completely shut the Legislature out of this decision-making process.  This legislation gives the people their voice back.”

Minnesota’s economy has suffered dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. The Minneapolis Federal Reserve reports that Employment is down 8% from the previous year and that Labor force participation down from pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment also remains above pre-pandemic levels at 4.4% in December 20 vs. 3.3% in December 19.

This legislation also seeks to make a statutory change that requires any future executive order issued by the Governor that attempts to close or partially close businesses to be approved by the Legislature with a simple majority vote from both the House and Senate prior to implementation of the executive order.

The pandemic has been particularly severe for small businesses and Minnesota’s hospitality industry. The National Federation of Independent Businesses reported that 1 in 5 small business owners was at risk of closing due to economic conditions. More than half of Minnesota restaurants report they face insolvency in the next few months if improvements are not made.