Sen. Michelle Benson voted, along with other Senate Republicans, to end the emergency powers of the governor. | Facebook
Sen. Michelle Benson voted, along with other Senate Republicans, to end the emergency powers of the governor. | Facebook
Senate Republicans again pressed for the end of Gov. Tim Walz's emergency powers as part of their opening floor session on Aug. 12.
The resolution passed in favor of ending the governor's powers for a third time at 36 for to 31 against. COVID-19 deaths have come down to single digits 39 out of the last 40 days.
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said though there is a pandemic, there is no longer an emergency. He said the executive and legislative branches need to have equal authority again.
“The only reason we’re here today is because the governor wanted to extend his emergency powers for another 30 days," Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) said, according to Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus. "COVID is still very serious, but emergency powers give the governor’s decisions the force of law without the benefit of public debate. For now, Minnesotans prefer to be asked to do the right thing rather than to be threatened. I have every faith that if we repeal these powers today, Minnesotans will encourage each other to do the right thing."
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