ST. PAUL - State Representative Bjorn Olson (R-Elmore) said he was disappointed a vote to end Governor Walz' emergency powers was defeated this week, with all members of the House DFL majority voting in opposition.
"I can understand the need for a governor to utilize emergency powers when the legislature is not in session," Olson said. "But now that the 2021 session has begun, state lawmakers should have a say as to how to move our state forward through this COVID pandemic."
Olson noted that Governor Walz's executive orders and closures have had a devastating impact not only on our economy but have forced far too many small business owners across Minnesota to permanently close for good.
"The legislature is a co-equal branch of government, and now that we are back in session, we must ensure that Minnesotans voices are heard," Olson said. "Residents should know we are fighting to be heard and will continue to try and end the governor's emergency powers until we are successful. All we want is to be included in the decision, and as a soldier I know the more people you have working on a problem the better, and quicker, the solution."
Minnesota remains in the longest peacetime emergency in state history.