Minnesota Legislature to convene Monday for new special session
The sun shines on the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, Wednesday, May 15, 2019, as Gov. Tim Walz and top legislative leaders continued their budget talks.[AP Photo/Steve Karnowski]
Gov. Walz says the Minnesota Legislature will convene Monday for a special session.
While Walz will extend the state’s COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days, lawmakers are also hoping to vote on a relief package for small businesses, workers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Minnesota’s small businesses and workers are bearing a large burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to protect their entire community amid restrictions that are saving lives," Walz said. "I call upon our state legislature to come together and ensure our businesses stay afloat, our workers are supported, and our families can put food on the table."
Walz said Tuesday that lawmakers were still working on finalizing a relief bill but expressed optimism that one would be finalized by next week.
Minnesota’s case positivity rate is above 10%, which is twice the level at which COVID-19 spread is considered controllable.
Walz said the peacetime emergency is important as a COVID-19 vaccine nears approval, as it allows for quick, equitable and safe distribution of the vaccine.