North Hennepin News

Gov. Tim Walz has extended the "Stay Home MN," Executive Order through May 4, as the state of Minnesota continues their fight against COVID-19.

The governor said the extension is meant to protect the public health and well being of all Minnesotans but Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer said she disagrees with his decision, because of its impact on small business owners.

Kiffmeyer is one of many republicans that are asking the governor to "reconsider his broad-based decisions and look into reopening some industries."

In a statement published by the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus, Kiffmeyer said small businesses that have been deemed non-essential should have their "personal responsibility and basic freedoms" restored and they should be able to reopen so long as they can develop "smart and effective safety plans."

The governor has agreed to consider reopening some businesses and Kiffmeyer said she wants to see actions, not hear words.

The Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council along with other labor and business groups in Minnesota have agreed to update workers' compensation insurance presumptions for some workers that believe they contracted COVID-19 at work, according to Kiffmeyer.

Under the new law passed by the Minnesota House and Senate, first responders, health care workers, child care providers and other essential workers will not bear the burden of having to prove they contracted COVID-19 at work in order to get workers' compensation, according to Kiffmeyer.

Kiffmeyer said given the crisis surrounding the pandemic, Steve Simon, the Minnesota Secretary of State, should allow the application for absentee ballots to be filled out online right now instead of forcing voters to wait until mid-May.

"We cannot properly express the extent of our appreciation to the Minnesotans putting their neighbors first as we fight this virus, but I hope these updates will at least bring some peace of mind," Kiffmeyer said.