MN GOP Blasts Walz: 'A Great Leader Doesn't Kill An Economy'

TWIN CITIES, MN — Minnesota Republicans wasted no time before criticizing Gov. Tim Walz and his latest restrictions related to the coronavirus. On Wednesday, Walz announced that the statewide ban on indoor dining — which has been in effect since Dec. 18 — will continue into the New Year.

"Governor Walz continues to make unilateral decisions controlling all aspects of Minnesota's businesses, families and well-being in response to moving through the pandemic," Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan said in a statement.

"To loosen restrictions by allowing bars and restaurants to resume outdoor service in the middle of winter when temperatures are often below freezing is not a solution to restart our economy or provide revenues these businesses need to maintain their viability, especially after the year they've already been through.

Bars, restaurants, and breweries must remain closed for indoor dining, under the new state order.However, they can open for outdoor service at 50 percent capacity or up to 100 people.

"During times of crisis a great leader is one that listens to the people he represents, leads with careful and thoughtful input from many diverse voices and understands Minnesotans are smart enough to make the right decisions for their families. A great leader doesn't kill an economy, cancel holidays, dictate our children's ability to learn and then bailout businesses with their own hard-earned taxpayer dollars; due to decisions he made which put them in an untenable position in the first place."

The governor's office said Wednesday that as the state approaches 4,500 COVID-19 deaths, hospitalization rates and community spread put Minnesota "well above the high-risk threshold and are still significantly higher than this summer and fall."

In Minnesota as of Wednesday, 1,082 of the available 1,212 ICU beds are in use.

State relief bill signed into law

The governor Wednesday signed into law $216 million in direct support for small businesses and workers in the state.

More reading: MN Restaurateur 8 Months Into Pandemic: 'We Are Not Surviving'