The Minnesota Senate today passed legislation that would give businesses individual authority to create and implement safety preparedness plans for re-opening their doors safely. Businesses across the state have different needs, and a one-size-fits-all mandate is not a solution. This legislation seeks to prevent future mass closures of businesses.

“Our businesses have suffered for an entire year because of the Governor’s attempts to unilaterally close the economy, and it’s just not right,” said Senator Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids). “Businesses have already prepared safety measures to reopen so they can meet the needs of their staff and customers—they want to reopen safely. Businesses shouldn’t be in constant fear of being closed down again based on the Governor’s daily whims. It’s just not right. Minnesotans deserve better.”

Minnesota’s economy has suffered dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. The Minneapolis Federal Reserve reports that Employment is down 8% from the previous year and that Labor force participation down from pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment also remains above pre-pandemic levels at 4.4% in December 20 vs. 3.3% in December 19.

This legislation also seeks to make a statutory change that requires any future executive order issued by a Governor that attempts to close or partially close businesses to be approved by the Legislature with a simple majority vote from both the House and Senate prior to implementation of the executive order.

The pandemic has been severe for small businesses and in particular Minnesota’s hospitality industry. The National Federation of Independent Businesses reported that 1 in 5 small business owners was at risk of closing due to economic conditions. More than half of Minnesota restaurants report they face insolvency in the next few months if improvements are not made.