Good afternoon,
Yesterday Governor Walz announced he was extending his stay-at-home executive order until May 4. The governor has also decided his order for bar, restaurant, and other public area closure will also continue until May 4.
Under the extended order, Minnesotans can continue leaving their homes for medical attention, getting groceries and take-out food, filling their gas tanks, and taking part in outdoor activities. In other words, what we have been doing for nearly two weeks will now continue until May 4.
I have received calls, texts, Facebook messages and emails from local residents that are really concerned that the governor is reaching too far with his extended stay-at-home order. Most would have been OK with another week, or maybe two. But with so many people out of work and so many businesses closed, the fear is that the harm we are doing to our small businesses and family budgets may be irreversible.
Every day I hear from families and small businesses whose lives have been turned upside-down. I want you to know that I (and many other lawmakers) have been pushing the administration on a daily basis asking for exemptions, flexibility and common sense. If there are businesses that can protect the safety of employees and customers, we should allow them to do so.
It's also frustrating that Governor Walz has, as of yet, opted not to release the modeling data he is using to make these executive decisions. Minnesotans want to work together, and we want to do our part to protect the health of our neighbors. But if he is making decisions that impact thousands of businesses and millions of Minnesotans, he should do so in a transparent fashion. That means including legislators - who are the ones communicating every day with our constituents and who understand the unique needs of our districts - and being open and transparent about the data driving the decisions.
You have all done a great job of "social distancing," which has helped keep Minnesota's COVID-19 cases low. Please know I continue to press for answers as to why we are unable to view the modeling the Governor is using to make these decisions. If all of us were utilizing the same playbook, it would be much easier to make common sense decisions going forward in regards to small businesses and their employees.
I wish you all a healthy and happy Easter,
Nathan