Walz wants mask mandate to become law before giving up emergency powers

[Valin]

Alpha News

“I encourage you to begin the work of enacting into law the core provisions of the emergency response that have been keeping Minnesotans safe,” he wrote.

Rose Williams

January 9, 2021

Gov. Tim Walz sent a letter to Minnesota legislators outlining his requests for certain coronavirus measures to be made into law before he surrenders his emergency powers.

In the letter, Walz said he recognizes the interest to work together with lawmakers to “mitigate the effects of the pandemic and to ensure an orderly end of the peacetime emergency when it is no longer needed.”

“I encourage you to begin the work of enacting into law the core provisions of the emergency response that have been keeping Minnesotans safe,” he wrote. Included are seven “priority” measures, but Walz ensured his demands are not limited to only those he disclosed in the letter.

One proposal he wants made into law is the “requirement to wear face coverings in public indoor spaces and indoor businesses.” Others include what Walz called “commonsense measures” for businesses’ safety plans, more protections for employees against “unsafe working conditions,” and protections for citizens against price gouging.

(Snip)