Top Minnesota GOP lawmaker opposes Gov. Tim Walz's extended stay-at-home order on coronavirus
The top-ranking Republican in the Minnesota Legislature on Thursday came out against Gov. Tim Walz’s decision to extend the state’s stay-at-home order amid mounting GOP pushback to the DFL governor’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I do not approve of the Governor’s unilateral decision to continue the order to shelter at home until May 4th,” Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka tweeted Thursday. “We have to get on with our lives.”
The tweet marked a shift in tone for the East Gull Lake Republican. While he previously expressed “grave concerns” about the original order, he has largely refrained from publicly criticizing the governor as they work together on COVID-19 response legislation. Just 24 hours earlier, Gazelka had called Walz’s move to allow more businesses to operate under the revised order “welcome news.”
Walz defended his decision to extend the order Thursday, saying it was based on data and guidance from health experts. He said the revised order, which allows about 80% of Minnesotans to continue to work, has been criticized by others as too lax. He also signaled this week that his team is looking at relaxing some business closures in stages.
“My heart breaks for the people who are worried for their economic well-being, but you can’t get frustrated, go on a hunch and throw caution to the wind and pretend like our neighbors’ lives are somehow disposable,” Walz said.
https://www.startribune.com/top-minnesota-gop-lawmaker-opposes-walz-s-stay-home-order-on-coronavirus/569520902/
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