Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather this weekend. We continue to be busy in the senate and I am still advocating to get you the support you need during these challenging times. I have heard from many of you asking me to help re-open Minnesota’s businesses. I think businesses can safely re-open with social distancing, sanitizing and I will continue to fight on your behalf.

Open Up MN

Last week we released an online portal for you to share feedback on reopening Minnesota’s economy. We received 1,600 responses in just two days, from Minnesotans who shared specific ways we could safely reopen restaurants, establishments offering beauty, cosmetology, hair, or salon services, retail, pet groomers and more. Thank you all for your ideas! We are making the case to the Governor that we can get Minnesotans back to work safely while protecting the vulnerable. We will keep asking him to listen to the people of Minnesota and get the economy going again.

If you would like to submit your ideas for reopening our small businesses click here: https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/openmn/

You can read some of the ideas that have already been submitted here. 

Outdoor Recreation

Last Friday the Governor announced another executive order that allowed the reopening of some outdoor recreation including:

– Bait shops for live bait
– Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
– Public and private parks and trails
– Golf courses and driving ranges
– Boating, fishing, and off-highway vehicle services, including:
– Marina services
– Dock installation and other lake services
– Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only

Personally, I find it really difficult to read Gov Walz’s executive orders saying you are “allowed” to do certain activities. I hope that phrase ends soon and we get our freedom back. 

Although this is a small step, I am happy the Governor is listening to Minnesotans and beginning to safely reopen our state. Being able to enjoy the outdoors is important to our mental health and well-being.

I know that many were happy with this announcement and tee times where quickly booked. But for our restaurants and salons, that is no help. I hope that changes soon. 

You can read the full executive order here: https://mn.gov/governor/news/executiveorders.jsp
 
I will continue to update you as new information and resources become available. As always if you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to contact my office at sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn or 651-296-5655.

Mary 

 

Resources
OPEN MN
Be Ready MN
A guide for small businesses who need help
Employees/Unemployment Benefits
Economic Impact Payments from the IRS
Minnesota COVID-19 website
Mental Health