Dear Friends,
This weekend I will be attending an important event, I hope you will consider joining me. The Patriot Academy is hosting a workshop entitled "Biblical Citizenship in Modern America." We will learn about the values of our Founders and how faith is woven in our founding documents. There are two sessions, one on Saturday, January 15 and the other on Sunday, January 16. More information, including how to register, can be found here.
Another great community event taking place is Take a Kid Fishing Weekend. Bring your ice fishing gear and head to Viking Sportsmen Bemo Pond. Wax worms will be provided. Find more information https://www.alexandriamn.org/community-calendar.html.
Supreme Court Blocks Biden OSHA Rule
Good news! Yesterday we learned that the Supreme Court blocked Biden's OSHA rule which would require employers with 100 or more employees to implement COVID vaccine or test mandates. Our businesses know how to keep their workers and customers safe. This is a big win for Americans' individual rights and freedoms.
Unfortunately, the DFL mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis have already announced their plans to impose a vaccine or test mandate for anyone looking to go to a bar, restaurant, or event venue. The mandate even applies to children between the ages of two and five who are too young to receive the vaccine! This government overreach is insane. How can parents reasonably take their two year olds for a COVID test 72 hours before going to a restaurant? Especially when there is a shortage of tests! The political science needs to end.
Standing Up for Public Safety
Crime is on the rise across our state. It is clear we need to do more to support our law enforcement and hold criminals accountable for the crimes they commit. Instead, Democrats and Gov. Walz are promoting policies to let criminals walk without bail, and even are supporting a controversial effort by an unelected board that would reduce sentences for repeat criminals.
As the new legislative session begins at the end of the month, I look forward to supporting proposals to invest in local police and making sure they have the resources and support needed to keep communities safe. We also need our judges and prosecutors to do more to hold criminals accountable for wreaking havoc in our streets. If they’re not willing to do so, the legislature should change the law to ensure stricter punishments are imposed.
Supporting Students and Parents
I also look forward to supporting students and parents during the upcoming session. Youngkin's victory in Virginia made it clear that parents are tired of the toxic political indoctrination in the classroom. I will always stand up for parents to make sure their voices are heard at school.
No Statewide Mask Mandate
Recently, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth have all announced city-wide mask mandates. Because Gov. Walz no longer has emergency powers, he cannot impose a statewide mask mandate. Even Walz knows that mask mandates are unpopular when he recently stated that it would be difficult to enforce compliance.
I said it last week, and I'll say it again: COVID is not going away. Do what you feel like is best for your health to minimize your risk for severe infection and if you don't feel well, stay home. I will continue fighting against mask and vaccine mandates to protect your individual rights.