State Leaders Say Minnesota Capitol Won't Close Due To Coronavirus
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders declined Friday to close the Minnesota Capitol, but the way lawmakers conduct business will change due to COVID-19.
Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman wrote to members that legislative leaders would work to implement the steps the governor recommended to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, which included measures to cut down on large gatherings. The schedule will "change very substantially," but details are still being discussed, she said.
While the Democratic governor said they decided against closing the Capitol, he added at a news conference that some of his recommendations would apply as lawmakers seek to finish off the most important bills of the session, which include measures to respond to the pandemic.
"We certainly can't do democratic action here without the public having access, meaning we can't hold major hearings and pass legislation where nobody has access and nobody can weigh in," he said.
"We're going to do the people's business but at the same time we're going to listen to medical experts about how to do that in a way that's safe," Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka told reporters. People can make their voices heard via phone calls emails and smaller groups, he added.
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