The Senate Jobs Committee today passed SF 1, authored by Senator Andrew Mathews (R-Princeton), which allows businesses to be open with no state-imposed limitation so long as the business owner maintains their own COVID safety preparedness plan. This will allow Minnesota businesses to open their doors at their own pace while providing all the safety possible for employees and customers alike.

“It’s time to put more trust in our local businesses, and allow them to safely operate without fear of another future unilateral shutdown by Executive Order,” Senator Andrew Mathews said, “and each city, county, or community has different needs. Many business owners already had safety plans ready to go long before the Governor and his agencies gave them permission to reopen last spring.  The data has shown that the shutdown did not impact case numbers in the way Walz claimed.  It just hurt Minnesotans in every part of the state, and especially out in rural and small-town Minnesota.  It’s time to free business owners from the fear of future shutdowns.”

SF 1 would allow businesses to be open with their own precautions in place. Instead of limitations set for the entire state by the Governor, this bill will give the power back to the people to decide what measures they need in their business. It would prohibit a Governor from closing businesses by Executive Order under Chapter 12.21 or 12.31, unless there is a two-thirds vote of the legislature. It would also require a notice of 14 days after a vote before taking effect, giving businesses ample time to prepare for the shut down.

“The Governor’s unconstitutional power has gone on too long. He cannot keep meddling with Minnesotans’ livelihood under executive orders. It has been 11 months of Walz exerting his power over Minnesota and cutting out the people’s voice through their elected senators and representatives.  As we continue to move forward with recovering from the pandemic, it’s time to put more faith in everyday Minnesotans,” Senator Mathews said.

Small businesses are a vital part of Minnesota’s economy and community. These are our friends, family members, and neighbors who are suffering from loss of livelihood regardless of how many precautions they put in place. This bill will protect Minnesotans, small businesses, and our communities by keeping the decision-making power at home.