SE Minnesota News

Minnesota Sen. John Jasinski (R-MN) said an attempt by Republicans to rescind a state of emergency ordered by Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) because of the COVID-19 pandemic was turned back by Democrats, but he pledged to try again in September.

“I will continue working to persuade him that it is better for Minnesotans if he gives up his powers and works with the Legislature to determine the best path forward,” Jasinski said, according to the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus’ website.

The Minnesota House and Senate convened a special session on Aug. 12.

At the session Walz said because of the COVID-19 pandemic he would extend the state’s “peacetime emergency” for another 30 days. Extending the state of emergency gives flexibility for the governor to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Walz's website, 49 out of 50 states remain in a COVID-19 state of emergency.

“For the third time, my Senate Republican colleagues and I voted to end the governor’s emergency powers,” Jasinski said. “My view remains unchanged since the last time we voted to end his powers. We were told initially that the governor needed his powers to respond to a public health emergency. That part is over. We have enough PPE (protective equipment), we have more than enough ICU beds."

The resources are there, but local businesses are still suffering. Not a day goes by where I don’t hear from a constituent telling me how the governor is destroying rural communities,” Jasinski said.

Minnesota is in Phase 3 of a state-ordered COVID-19 restriction, which encourages people to stay home, wear masks and social distance, but allows outside gatherings of 25 people or less, 10 or less indoors.  

Jasinski said the special session did approve a $39 million allocation in funding to help disability service providers, and also legislation to divert veterans toward probation and social services instead of jail time for those who commit less serious offenses.