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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tony Jurgens (R)

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Rep. Jurgens Legislative Update

Friday, April 16, 2021

Hello from St. Paul,

 

On Wednesday, for the 18th time, Minnesota House Republicans attempted to end Governor Walz’ unilateral powers. And for the 18th time, the measure failed along party lines.

 

Minnesota continues to live under the longest peacetime emergency in our state’s history.

 

At the start of the year, I was encouraged that the majority was going to hold hearings on the governor’s emergency powers usage and indicated that the statute in Chapter 12, which outlines emergency powers, needs to be changed. Unfortunately, while the committee has met a few times, no legislation has arrived on the floor that deals with this issue.

 

BUDGET BILLS MOVING FORWARD

This week, we began to see some of the budget bills being presented on the House floor by the House majority. These included state government as well as transportation finance. Many more will be up for floor debate next week.

 

NO MASKS FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS?

On Thursday, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Sports Medicine Advisory Council announced their unanimous recommendation to lift the outdoor youth sports mask mandate, and will seek relief from the Minnesota Department of Health.

 

Findings from both the CDC and World Health Organizations show that children should not wear masks during physical activity as it can cause difficulty breathing. Data also shows that household and community spread of COVID-19 from children is minimal, while transmission rates for young people have remained low. 

 

As a former high school runner, thinking about my competitors being forced to wear a mask in track and field is just ridiculous. I have heard from a number of local parents who also noted that last fall, when not one Minnesotan had received a COVID-19 vaccine, students were allowed to practice and play outdoors without masks. Now, with nearly 40% of Minnesotans having received at least one dose of the vaccine, we expect not only high school athletes but first or second graders in youth sports to run around outdoors with masks in 90-degree temps and high humidity this summer? That doesn’t make sense.

 

The MSHSL is hoping for an answer from the Department of Health next week.

 

OUT AND ABOUT….

Congratulations to Hope Christian Preschoolers in Hastings who recently held a cereal food drive, collecting cereal for Hastings Family Service during Minnesota Food Share month, for those less fortunate youngsters who struggle to find breakfast food on a daily basis. What a great learning and sharing experience.

 

Congratulations are also in order for Hastings resident Sophie Keeler, who attends the University of Alabama. She was recently inducted into the Blue Key Honor Society, which recognizes college students for balanced and all-around excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. 

 

Tomorrow is the 56th Annual Flood run which is an annual motorcycle event that raises money for Gillette Children’s Hospital. If you are among the thousands participating this weekend, have fun and please ride safe. If you are not riding, please drive carefully and be aware of the increased motorcycle traffic throughout the area over the weekend.  You can find more information on the Flood Run here. https://www.flood-run.com/

 

Have a good weekend,

 

Tony