Executive Council approves 30-day extension of governor’s emergency powers

Gov. Tim Walz has requested a 30-day extension of emergency powers.

Walz made the request during a meeting of the Executive Council Wednesday.

KSTP’s Tom Hauser reports Walz recognized during the meeting that few expected emergency powers to last 14 months, calling that a "valid" concern.

Hauser also reported Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm called the case for extending emergency powers "straightforward and compelling," citing recent increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as reasons for the extension.

The council approved the extension.

NOW: Gov. Tim Walz officially requesting another 30-day extension of emergency powers. MN Health Comm Jan Malcolm calls the case for extending the powers as “straight forward and compelling.” She cites increases in COVID cases and hospitalizations as need for Gov to have powers. pic.twitter.com/1zg8sCXN1O

— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) April 14, 2021

The governor makes request to extend emergency powers even as he says “normalcy, you can feel it in the air.” He admits few envisioned emergency powers lasting 14 months and calls that a “valid” concern. The executive council made up entirely of Democrats just approved extension. pic.twitter.com/CfhJFnQmaZ

— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) April 14, 2021