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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Cal Bahr (R)

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REP. BAHR CALLS FOR AN END TO PROTESTERS ILLEGALLY BLOCKING HIGHWAYS

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

St. Paul – Today, Rep. Cal Bahr (Republican-East Bethel) sent letters to United States Attorney General William Barr, United States Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Governor Tim Walz, Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher, and Commissioner Harrington regarding the blocking of interstate highways in Minnesota.

“In the last few months, we have seen two of our primary interstates blocked by protesters, Interstate 35 and Interstate 94,” said Rep. Bahr. “State and local officials have seemingly acquiesced and allowed protesters to illegally commandeer the interstate highway system at their leisure. I have sent letters to state and federal leaders requesting that such criminal activity be stopped, and that federal transportation funds be withheld if these actions are allowed to continue.”

Rep. Bahr owned a trucking company and has a lifetime of experience dealing with transportation issues and policy. He works as a commercial truck driver outside of the legislative session.

“The right to assemble and peacefully protest is a constitutional right that is essential to our nation,” said Rep. Bahr. “Furthermore, peaceful protests are a terrific exercise of individual liberty. However, no individual or group has the right to restrict other citizens from travelling freely. The unlawful blocking of highways by protesters is a severe infringement on the rights of all Minnesotans. Finally, state and local leaders have failed to maintain order when protesters have blocked highways. The May 31st incident on 35W demonstrates that blocking highways is not only illegal, but extremely dangerous for drivers and pedestrians alike.” 

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