On Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz sent a letter to lawmakers outlining requirements for a special session, including new mandates to respond to the newest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes vaccination, testing, and masking requirements in Minnesota’s schools.

Senator Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) issued the following responses:

“Once again, Tim Walz continues to show that his “One Minnesota” phrase is, in reality, his governing philosophy in which he takes a one-size-fits-all approach to our state’s problems and forces a single overly simplified solution down all Minnesotans’ throats. His approach continually fails to recognize the diversity of Minnesota and its communities and disregards the value of trusting our local leaders who are in the optimal position to make the best decisions for their residents.”

“Like my colleagues, I had hoped that Governor Walz would work with us to ensure that our frontline workers would receive meaningful relief quickly for their sacrifices that kept us safe during the worst of the pandemic. Unfortunately, his letter shows that he would rather use them as a bargaining tool.”