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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Paul Torkelson (R)

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REP. TORKELSON DISAPPOINTED HOUSE DEMOCRATS FAIL TO SUPPORT ENDING GOVERNOR'S EMERGENCY POWERS

Friday, January 15, 2021

ST. PAUL - The Minnesota House DFL majority has once again blocked efforts to end Governor Walz' use of emergency powers to respond to the COVID19 pandemic, and State Representative Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska) said he is frustrated by the continued roadblocks.

"The legislature is back in session, and as a co-equal branch of government, state lawmakers should be a part of the decision-making process," Torkelson said.

Torkelson noted that Governor Walz's executive orders and closures have devastated our economy and failed to protect vulnerable Minnesotans in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

"We will continue working to end the Governor's emergency powers, and make sure that Minnesotans voices are represented once again," Torkelson said. "One-person rule in the State of Minnesota cannot continue." 

Minnesota remains in the longest peacetime emergency in state history.