Dear Neighbors,
Earlier today, the legislature returned for the start of what could be among the most unpredictable special sessions in recent memory.
While Governor Walz mainly called the special session to vote on an extension of his emergency powers, several items could be included like taxes, COVID response, distribution of CARES Act funds, changes to emergency powers, police reform, and bonding.
Like many times before, I once again voted to end the governor’s emergency powers. Sadly, the House Democrat majority did not put up the votes needed for the resolution to pass.
Today marks the 90th day since the Governor first declared the peacetime emergency on March 13, 2020. According to the Star Tribune, this is the "longest period of time residents have lived under a state of emergency since World War II.”
The Governor’s approach has devastated our state’s economy and failed to protect vulnerable Minnesotans. It’s long past time for his unilateral powers to end, and to begin working with the legislature to respond to the pandemic and protect those in long-term care and nursing facilities.
Law and Order
On Wednesday, protestors tore down a statue of Christopher Columbus on the Capitol Grounds. Earlier in the day, at a press conference, Governor Walz and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington told reporters that they were aware that a group planned to march to St. Paul that evening and intended to tear down the statue. Both Walz and Harrington said that the statue would be protected.
That evening, despite promises from the Walz Administration, protesters tore down the statue and law enforcement was nowhere to be found until after the fact.
Just like how he allowed Minneapolis businesses and the third precinct to burn, Governor Walz allowed protesters to commit felony property damage on the Capitol Grounds. This is the latest failure of leadership by the Governor.
Staying Connected
I will keep you in the loop as things progress in St. Paul during special session. Please continue to reach out to me to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Glenn