Hello, friends. I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on some of the recent news regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.
Governor Walz Actions
Governor Walz has announced new steps regarding Minnesota’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the Governor signed Executive Order 20-40 which allows roughly 100,000 Minnesotans to return to work.
For more information on what businesses are reopening under Executive Order 20-40, please see the following link: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/covid/safework/non-critical/
Additionally, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota schools will remain closed through the end of the school year. Instead, schools will continue distance learning measures.
My Thoughts: Reopen Minnesota
Governor Walz and his administration have taken only minor steps in reopening Minnesota. This needs to change, and we need to get our economy moving again. Other states have already begun reopening in dramatic fashion. Colorado ended their “stay-at-home” order and switched to a “safer-at-home” order in which residents are asked to remain in their homes as much as possible rather than be forced to stay home. Churches in Montana are now permitted to resume services. Restaurants in Georgia and Tennessee can serve dine-in customers again, and California has begun reopening beaches.
Governor Walz needs to see the writing on the wall and put all Minnesotans back to work. The longer Governor Walz prolongs this shutdown, the more Minnesotans will suffer due to the economic damages.
Hog farmers are a major sector of Minnesota’s economy that have been severely harmed by this economic shutdown. Minnesota is the third largest pork-producing state in the nation. However, due to the temporary shuttering of pork processing plants, hog farmers are currently over-stocked with pigs and have no place to send them. As a result, 3,000 pigs were euthanized in Minnesota last week. If our agriculture economy remains shut down much longer, 200,000 pigs could be euthanized. This will result in major revenue losses for our farmers. Governor Walz’ policies could put multigenerational farm families out of business entirely. The economic hardships imposed by Governor Walz must end, and all of Minnesota must be reopened.
Make Your Voice Heard
Livelihoods have been damaged or destroyed by this crisis. We need to let the Governor know that he should be working for us, not against us.
Contacting the governor’s office and sharing your thoughts is a great way to show your support for reopening Minnesota. Governor Walz needs to know that our economy and our jobs matter. The governor’s office can be reached at this phone number: (651) 201-3400
Furthermore, information to write Governor Walz a letter or send him an email can be found here: https://mn.gov/governor/contact/
I hope you share your support for putting Minnesota back to work.
Contact:
If you have any questions regarding COVID-19, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office. My email address is Rep.Tim.Miller@house.mn. Additionally, please reach out to my Legislative Assistant, Luke, with any questions. Luke’s email is Luke.Sprinkel@house.mn. Emailing is the fastest way to get in contact with me. Contact me anytime with questions or concerns. God Bless.
Tim Miller