Senator Andrew Mathews (R-Princeton) is glad that see SF 1 pass the Senate Floor today with bipartisan support, giving businesses individual authority to create and implement safety preparedness plans so they can open safely outside the reach of Executive Orders. With each business having different needs and wants for their customers and staff, it is important to allow them the opportunity to do what works for them.
“Over the past year, Minnesotans have adjusted to the changing priorities of Governor Walz while trying to keep their businesses afloat and keeping their staff and customers safe,” Mathews said Thursday. “After a year of adjusting to Walz’s demands, Minnesota businesses already know what they need to do. Each business throughout the state is different, but they are responsible to know what works best for them. Giving businesses freedom to adjust to their needs as the pandemic changes is common sense. We can’t allow these businesses to be shut down at the whim of the Governor.”
Small businesses are a vital part of Minnesota’s economy and communities. They are run by our friends, family members, and neighbors, and they have been crushed over the past year. The losses in small businesses across the state will have irreparable damage to not only our economy, but the livelihood of many community members.
“SF 1 brings power back where it belongs – to the people,” Mathews said.
Minnesota’s economy has suffered dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. The Minneapolis Federal Reserve reports that Employment is down 8% from the previous year and that Labor force participation down from pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment also remains above pre-pandemic levels at 4.4% in December 20 vs. 3.3% in December 19.
The pandemic has been particularly severe for small businesses and Minnesota’s hospitality industry. The National Federation of Independent Businesses reported that 1 in 5 small business owners was at risk of closing due to economic conditions. Additionally, nearly 100 restaurants closed in the Twin Cities metro in 2020. More than half of restaurants report they face insolvency in the next few months if things don’t improve.