STATEMENT FROM NHRC REGARDING LAWSUIT AGAINST GOVERNOR TIM WALZ

St. Paul – Today, the New House Republican Caucus’ (NHRC) lawsuit against Governor Tim Walz was heard in court. The lawsuit contends that Governor Walz’s peacetime emergency powers and orders are unconstitutional. In today’s hearing, the judge did not immediately issue a ruling. Instead, the judge will issue his ruling at some point in the coming weeks.

The NHRC issued the following the statement:

“We are hopeful the court will find in our favor. Our attorneys presented a strong argument based on case law, the constitution, and actions taken within the Minnesota House of Representatives. Eleven other states have already found their executive lawmaking authority to be unconstitutional. So much about what is happening right now has become hyper political, and that is a shame. This case is not about politics, or even the virus. This case is about our constitution and the balance of power in our state. No matter peoples’ opinions regarding the Governor's performance, the masks, or the shutdown; we can still agree on the importance of having three equal branches of government to provide checks and balances to safeguard against oppression and the consolidation of power. No governor, no matter if he or she is Republican or Democrat, should be able to unilaterally write laws for an indefinite period of time without legislative oversight or judicial review. It is imperative our process be fair and just no matter which party controls the executive branch, the House, or the Senate.”

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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