Never Again, It's Not a Recommendation
This past week we have seen a lot of disappointment from the Senate. Even though the Never Again bill is gaining traction, the Senate has still made no clear demand for Chapter 12 reform. If we don’t prevent the Governor from doing this again, we will find ourselves locked in our homes every flu season. We are not done yet, far from it. If you have not done so already, please contact your state Senator HERE and encourage them to sign on to the Never Again Bill in the Senate. It's time to get back to the real normal with assurances that the governor cannot just unilaterally declare another emergency.
Walz Capitulates to Pressure, but still Hold onto Emergency Powers
This Week Governor Walz adjusted his dials again, yet he still holds his Emergency Powers and leaves one of the most disastrous of his orders still in place. We are at the precipice of herd immunity, and states that have removed their restricts are on the bounce back. Still Walz insists on keeping his mask made in place for the next few months. Unless of course we have another “spike” in which case we could end up right back under his thumb. This is why we need the Senate to pass the Never Again bill.
The three-step process will end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement by July 1 at the latest.
Step one takes place at noon on May 7th. It includes initial steps to relax some restrictions, primarily in outdoor settings.
- Removes limits for outdoor dining, events, and other get-togethers, and ends the mask requirement outdoors except at large venues with over 500 people.
- Eliminates the state-established mandatory closing time for bars, restaurants, and food and beverage service at other places of public accommodation.
The second step begins on May 28. The remaining capacity and distancing limits will come to an end, including indoor events and gatherings. The requirements that will remain include:
- Face coverings indoors and for outdoor events that exceed 500 people.
- There will be no new safety requirements for businesses, though they must maintain their plans to keep their employees and customers safe – as they have from the beginning of the pandemic – guided only by a minimal universal state guidance document.
The third step takes place once 70 percent of Minnesotans age 16 years and older – 3,087,404 Minnesotans – get at least one dose of the vaccine, but no later than July 1.
- The remaining face-covering requirement and the requirement for preparedness plans will end. Work on vaccines will continue, and local jurisdictions and entities may set their own mask policies.
However, the Governor still intends to keep the Safe Learning Plan for schools in place until the end of the school year. Additionally, the Governor intends to keep the eviction moratorium and a ban on price gouging. Local jurisdictions and businesses may still require masks and have other requirements beyond July 1. Target has already announced they intend to require masks in their stores beyond July 1. Walz needs to follow the science and end these emergency powers today.
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