Senate File 4480 puts businesses in charge of safe re-opening plans

(St. Paul, MN) – I have been looking for safe, practical strategies to re-open our state as we continue to deal with the repercussions of the state shutdown and the pandemic.  Following that search, I have decided to co-author and support Senate File 4480 with Senator Andrew Mathews (R-Princeton). This legislation gives businesses desiring to re-open the opportunity to send their safety plan to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for review and answer.

The system created by SF 4480 is not my first choice. Most business owners are responsible and could create a plan to protect staff and customers without a government agency stepping in to approve. It is, however, a step that could gain bipartisan support and therefore have a chance at giving Minnesotans an opportunity to work and provide for their families again.

According to this legislation, each application will include personally built strategies for social distancing and workplace hygiene, along with other information that may help DEED with the final decision. Applications must be approved or denied by DEED in no more than three business days, since many businesses do not have the luxury of finances for extended wait times. The bill also requires DEED to include the specific reason(s) for any denials, along with suggested changes that could result in approval upon re-submission. Required suggestions will prevent arbitrary decisions on the part of the agency.

According to Governor Walz’s data model for COVID-19, the state could open up businesses with responsible social distancing practices in place right now. Re-opening slowly and responsibly would have no added effect on projected mortality and ICU beds than what the administration is currently planning.

Another important note is that under the current spending track with no revenue, Minnesota is already set to have deficits next year. That would lead to impending budget cuts to healthcare and education: our two most significant spending areas. Not having enough room in the budget to support our health systems and the education of our children is a daunting thought. These are lives at stake. The sooner we can implement plans to responsibly open the state to business while taking care of the vulnerable, the better.