News – Page 214 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

July 31, 2020

Senator Rarick: Back to school plans may be less flexible than they appear

(St. Paul, MN) – Back to school plans were announced by Governor Walz on Thursday. The administration is allowing local districts to plan their initial return, though under state guidelines and with the knowledge that…

July 31, 2020

Sen. Limmer: Thoughts about the governor’s announcement regarding the fall school year

Friends and neighbors, Earlier this week, Gov. Walz announced that he will grant individual school districts the flexibility to reopen while factoring in their own unique circumstances. In addition, the guidance includes a “matrix” that…

July 31, 2020

Jasinski: Governor’s announcement about fall school year puts educators and families in tough spot

Parents, educators, and students across Minnesota spent weeks and months eagerly awaiting the governor’s announcement about how schools will be allowed to reopen, but when he made his announcement on July 30, it appeared hardly…

July 30, 2020

Jensen: Kids need to return to classroom

Today, Governor Walz announced his decision on school reopening for the state of Minnesota. Senate Republicans have encouraged the Governor to allow local districts to decide the best way to safely educate students this school…

July 30, 2020

Senator Ruud: Today’s announcement falls short

Today, Governor Walz announced his decision on school reopening for the state of Minnesota. Senate Republicans have encouraged the Governor to allow local districts to decide the best way to safely educate students this school…

July 30, 2020

Sen. Newman: Glad Gov. Walz chose to give schools flexibility on reopening, but late decision does a disservice to families and educators

Minnesota state Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement providing guidance to schools on reopening. “I am pleased with the direction the governor chose today, but…

July 30, 2020

Senator Kiffmeyer: This decision should be left in the hands of local leaders and teachers

Today, Governor Walz announced his decision on school reopening for the state of Minnesota. Senate Republicans have encouraged the Governor to allow local districts to decide the best way to safely educate students this school…

July 30, 2020

Senator Housley: No clear direction forward after today’s decision

Today, Governor Walz announced his decision on school reopening for the state of Minnesota. Senate Republicans have encouraged the Governor to allow local districts to decide the best way to safely educate students this school…

July 30, 2020

Sen. Pratt: Giving schools flexibility on reopening is the right decision, but Governor’s announcement should have been made weeks ago

Minnesota state Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement providing guidance to schools on reopening. “The governor’s decision to lean toward giving schools flexibility on…

July 30, 2020

Senator Benson approves local control for schools; wonders if state plans are workable

(St. Paul, MN) – Back to school plans were announced by Governor Walz on Thursday. The administration is allowing local districts to plan their initial return, though under state guidelines and with the knowledge that…

July 30, 2020

Senator Mathews: Give local districts complete control to implement Gov. Walz’s school plan

(St. Paul, MN) – Back to school plans were announced by Governor Walz on Thursday. The administration is allowing local districts to plan their initial return, though under state guidelines and with the knowledge that…

July 30, 2020

Sen. Nelson: Guidance on re-opening schools is the right choice, but late decision is disappointing

Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tim Walz’s announcement providing guidance to schools on re-opening. “If the governor’s actions today are additional guidance for informed…

July 30, 2020

Senator Utke Disappointed in Back to School Announcement

(St. Paul, MN) – Back to school plans were announced by Governor Walz on Thursday. The administration says they are allowing initial decisions to be made locally, but in collaboration with the state. The Department…

July 30, 2020

Senator Osmek responds to President Trump’s tweet suggesting potential election delay

On Thursday, July 30, President Donald Trump tweeted, floating the idea of delaying the November 3 presidential election. President Trump suggested the delay as based on allegations that increased mail-in voting due to the coronavirus pandemic…

July 29, 2020

Senator Benson on Senate Covid Hearing: “Transparency is the key to recovery”

The Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee, chaired by Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake), is holding an informational hearing on the state’s COVID-19 response on Wednesday. Senator Benson made the following statement…

July 28, 2020

Sen. Nelson: Districts should have final say on reopening schools

Districts should have final say on reopening schools By: Senator Carla Nelson Note: This column originally ran in the Rochester Post Bulletin. Sometime soon, Gov. Walz is expected to announce a decision about whether or…

July 28, 2020

Senator Jensen: Free speech carries the day

In late June, Senator Scott Jensen M.D. (R-Chaska) received notice from the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice that his license was under review after two allegations regarding public comments were filed against him. The first…

July 24, 2020

Senator Rarick: Second Special Session Recap

(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Legislature was called to special session once again this month. It is required by statute to vote on Governor Walz’s emergency powers relative to the COVID-19 pandemic; I and…

July 24, 2020

Gazelka: Commissioner using state resources to request public support of Governor a very poor decision

(ST. PAUL, MN) – Senator Gazelka released the following statement on the recent communication from Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove that provided sample letters of support for businesses, parents and educators, and health care…

July 24, 2020

Leaders Praise Senator Limmer’s Police Accountability Bill

Legislation will not defund or dismantle police (ST. PAUL, MN) – Amid the continued drama surrounding this year’s legislative session that endured a COVID-19 pandemic, the death of George Floyd, followed by riots, burning, and…