(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) released the following statement on SF 1, a bill that allows businesses to fully open so long as they submit a safety preparedness plan. The bill which will help fully reopen businesses is considered a top priority this session at the Minnesota Senate.

“Let’s give our business owners the opportunity to safety open without the fear of unreasonable government penalties or harassment. Our local business owners are some of the most innovative problem solvers we have and if we give them the latitude to safely open, they will rise to the task,” said Johnson. “We look across the North Dakota border and see businesses with the discretion to balance safety with economic viability. This leads to better outcomes for everybody. Let’s give our businesses the same chance.”  

The legislation would allow businesses the option to fully reopen provided businesses develop a COVID-19 safety plan and make a good faith effort to maintain a safe and healthful workplace. The bill was heard in the Senate Jobs & Economic Growth Finance & Policy Committee on Wednesday.