Gov. Tim Walz calls Legislature back for seventh special session

Gov. Tim Walz summoned Minnesota lawmakers back for their seventh special session of the year Wednesday, urging them anew to pass a COVID-19 relief package as cases surge in the state.

Lawmakers will be back at the Capitol on Monday, a required step as Walz again extends his emergency rule-making powers in response to the pandemic. But the Democratic governor is pushing for lawmakers to strike a deal on COVID aid after several weeks of negotiations.

Under consideration is a package that would distribute state help to businesses and workers hit hardest by the recent pandemic-triggered closures of bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and fitness centers. Walz ordered a four-week pause on those businesses as COVID-19 cases surge.

https://www.startribune.com/gov-tim-walz-calls-legislature-back-for-seventh-special-session/573349561/