Friends and Neighbors,

Governor Walz recently issued a statewide mask mandate. Many Minnesotans are understandably frustrated with this unilateral decision. Since he announced his peacetime emergency powers in March, he has ordered statewide business closures, restricted local control, and held onto his powers for far too long. This mask mandate is just one more thing Governor Walz has implemented without any input from the legislature or from Minnesotans.

A statewide mask mandate requires that even people in remote, rural areas, with only a few COVID cases will be forced to wear masks. This type of order is unfair. We have a legislature because one man cannot possibly legislate effectively for the entire state. Legislation should be tailored to fit every demographic, not just the metro. Our state constitution did not intend for this to happen.

We have made the same argument from the beginning – the Governor’s executive orders are designed to prepare us in case of emergency, they are not designed to be kept indefinitely. We have voted twice to revoke his emergency powers and reestablish order. Unfortunately, the DFL controlled House refuses to join us so Governor Walz’s authority remains unchallenged.

Arbitrary decision making is not leadership. As long as Governor Walz continues to insist on maintaining control, we will keep pushing for the restoration of your constitutional right to local representation. Restoring the voice of Minnesotans’ local representatives is the only way their voices will be heard. So much hangs in the balance- our economy, our children’s education, our local law enforcement and above all, our rights and liberty. I will keep fighting and I hope you will keep your voices strong.

Mary Kiffmeyer

State Senator
District 30