NEW HOUSE REPUBLICANS FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST GOVERNOR WALZ

St. Paul – The members of the New House Republican Caucus (NHRC) have filed a lawsuit against Governor Tim Walz regarding the use of executive orders under the peacetime emergency declaration. Specifically, the lawsuit contends that the governor does not have the authority to suspend the constitutional rights of Minnesotans. 

“Governor Tim Walz’s suspension of our constitutional rights should alarm every Minnesotan,” said Rep. Cal Bahr (Republican-East Bethel). “Constitutional rights are not conditional permissions handed down to the people by government officials. No individual, including Governor Walz, is allowed to suspend our God-given rights.” 

Attorney Erick Kaardal of Mohrman, Kaardal & Erickson will represent the New House Republicans in their lawsuit. Mr. Kaardal has represented many clients in cases involving individual liberty and government overreach. 

“Governor Walz bypassed the legislative process and the Constitutional checks and balances provided by our three branches of government when he unilaterally declared a peacetime emergency and gave himself the power to write laws for an indefinite period of time, without judicial oversight,” said Rep. Jeremy Munson (Republican-Lake Crystal). “Peacetime emergency declarations were designed to address immediate crises which require specific, swift action such as a flood or tornado. By contrast, a public health crisis will last for an indefinite amount of time and the Governor’s executive orders have covered a broad scope of action. This authoritarian chapter in Minnesota history should never be allowed to happen again.” 

“The suspension of our constitutional rights destroyed our state,” said Rep. Tim Miller (Republican-Prinsburg). “The numbers show that Minnesota has higher rates of unemployment and deaths-per-million from COVID-19 than free states. Businesses should be allowed to operate as they see fit, individuals should be allowed to travel where they want, and government should not be penalizing people for trying to survive.” 

In addition to the lawsuit, the members of the New House Republican Caucus have set up a “Go-Fund-Me” page to raise money for the lawsuit. Approximately $20,000 will need to be raised to cover legal fees and expenses. Any money not used for the lawsuit will be placed in a fund to help small businesses with their legal fees. 

The “Go-Fund-Me” page can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/StopWalz   

“The Minnesota Legislature needs to regain its constitutional authority,” said Rep. Steve Drazkowski (Republican-Mazeppa). “Unfortunately, a majority of legislators in the Minnesota House of Representatives are happy to sit back and let the governor usurp unbelievable power that he is not constitutionally authorized to possess. In giving Governor Walz unchecked power, these legislators are complicit in the governor’s tyrannical rampage. We have launched this lawsuit to end the tyranny of Governor Walz and restore our constitutional rights.” 

The NHRC is led by Rep. Steve Drazkowski (Republican-Mazeppa). It includes Rep. Cal Bahr (Republican-East Bethel), Rep. Tim Miller (Republican-Prinsburg), and Rep. Jeremy Munson (Republican-Lake Crystal). 

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