Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings issued for Twin Cities metro area

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Some Minnesota lawmakers are asking DFL Gov. Tim Walz to reconsider his executive order that 

in the state to slow the spread of COVID-19.

They say the move will be devastating to small businesses.

Sen. Roger Chamberlain, R-Lino Lakes, said he has heard directly from many concerned business owners who are wondering if they will be able to survive the closure.

“One of the restaurants said, ‘we’ve separated our tables, we’re doing fine,’ Chamberlain said. “They’ve got no cases in their town, no cases in their cities. So, they’re wondering why do I have to close and maybe go out of business up here in the arrowhead or western Minnesota when nothing’s going on out here.”

Other lawmakers expressed similar concerns.

Sen. Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point, said the governor’s declaration seemed premature.

“Ordering them to close, even for two weeks, will have a disastrous effect not just on our economy, but on thousands of hourly wage earners and small business owners,” Ruud said.

In announcing the temporary closure of bars and restaurants, Gov. Walz said decisive action is needed to curb the spread of the pandemic. He also signed an executive order to help idled workers receive unemployment benefits more rapidly.

“This is a challenging time for business owners, employees, children and families alike,” Walz said.

Sen. Andrew Mathews, R-Princeton, said he appreciates the governor’s goal. But he questioned the approach.

“Unilateral decisions rule out options for businesses and owner to make satisfactory adjustments on their own, Mathews said. “The Legislature should have bipartisan input into executive decisions when they impact the lives of so many people.”

DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman said the decision was in the best interest of Minnesota.

“Social distancing and drastically limiting the size of crowds are critically important to slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Hortman said.

60 confirmed cases, hospitals prepare, restaurants close

plan for 'stages' of COVID-19 patients, warn of a possible surge

Walz temporarily closes bars, restaurants and gyms to curb COVID-19 spread

Business and Economic News

Politics and Government News

Health

COVID-19

Tim Pugmire

Author

Some Republican lawmakers are questioning whether Gov. Tim Walz went too far in ordering bars, restaurants and other businesses to close in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

man in green tie talks at news conference

Walz gets some legislative pushback on closure order

Go Deeper.

Like this?