Minnesota GOP lawmakers decry Gov. Tim Walz's 'threatening tone' in COVID-19 rule enforcement

Republican lawmakers on Monday urged Gov. Tim Walz to "reassess the tone and approach" as state regulators step up enforcement of mask-wearing and social distancing at bars and restaurants to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

A letter signed by House GOP Leader Kurt Daudt and more than 50 other Republican lawmakers accused the DFL governor of unfairly targeting the hospitality industry as his administration increases its oversight of health mandates imposed in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter follows a separate public missive from Senate Republican Leader Paul Gazelka on Friday challenging a possible extension in September of Walz's emergency powers under the pandemic. "There is no longer an emergency," Gazelka said.

https://www.startribune.com/gop-lawmakers-decry-walz-s-threatening-tone-in-covid-enforcement/572276362/