On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order directing Minnesotans to stay home in an effort to combat the coronavirus outbreak. In response, Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake), chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee, issued the following statement:

“This is a period of uncertainty unlike any we’ve seen in the state of Minnesota. I share the governor’s concerns about the health and safety of all Minnesotans – and I also share the concerns of the many Minnesotans who are out of work until the crisis passes. This is an incredibly difficult situation, but I am confident we will emerge stronger than ever.

“It is important to follow the governor’s order as we work to mitigate the spread of the virus. The executive order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 27 and remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 10. The governor has also extended the order for bars and restaurants to remain closed, except for take-out, until at least 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1. Schools will remain closed until at least Monday, May 4, and will implement their distance learning (E-Learning) model for students. The order does not include certain ‘critical services’, such as health care and public health, law enforcement, public safety, and first responders, childcare, food and agriculture, news media, energy, water and wastewater, and critical manufacturing.

“In addition, later this week, I expect the Minnesota Senate will pass legislation to protect the many individuals and families facing severe hardship as a result of the crisis. Along with the stimulus package being passed by the federal government, the measures we will pass at the state level will provide aid to affected Minnesotans while making sure health officials continue to have the supplies they need to address this public health emergency. 

“Minnesotans are strong and resilient. Together, we will move forward.”

Senator Eric Pratt, of Prior Lake, represents Scott County in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee and is an assistant majority leader.