As Gov. Tim Walz imposed new COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants, bars, and private gatherings on Tuesday, some GOP congressional delegates criticized his lack of prudence and credible evidence supporting these mandates.
“Trust me, Governor Walz is ready to go after hospitals, small businesses, schools (and sports), and churches all over again. His track record is miserable and the data he uses to justify decisions are consistently overly pessimistic and grossly inaccurate,” U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn said in a statement issued Tuesday.
“[L]ockdowns are causing all sorts of medical, economic, psychological and addiction problems that are not fully factored in by governors, like Walz, who keep imposing lockdowns,” he added, saying “this is what socialism looks like.”
Approximately 70% of all COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota have occurred in long-term care facilities. Only about 2% of COVID-19 transmissions occur in restaurant settings.
“The Governor and his administration should do a better job protecting the most vulnerable, especially our elderly, and let those who are younger and healthier go about their business and utilize personal responsibility and best judgement,” Hagedorn continued.
Congressman Hagedorn is not alone in his concerns about the overlooked effects of Gov. Walz’s continued use of emergency powers to bypass the State Legislature.
“It is disappointing that once again, Governor Walz made unilateral decisions that will have a disastrous impact on small businesses and Minnesota families. After months of shutdowns and mandates, which have forced many restaurants and bars to close, this new move by Walz is guaranteed to deal an additional blow to this important industry,” Congresswoman-elect Michelle Fischbach said in a recent statement about Walz’s new restrictions. “The economic impact of this pandemic and the statewide shutdown will be felt for years to come. It is clear Walz’s one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.”
Back in August, the National Federation of Independent Business reported that approximately 21% of small business owners would be forced to shut down if the economic conditions did not improve in the following months.
State Sen. Michelle Benson advocates for personal responsibility instead of increased micro-management from the government: “With the holidays coming up, it’s important we all find ways to celebrate that don’t knowingly put family members at risk and strain our healthcare system. Personal responsibility will do more than government mandates to help us recover our economy and keep people safe.”
Madeleine Ahlbrecht
Madeleine is a young professional and freelance writer in the Twin Cities.