Minnesota businesses with COVID safety plans could re-open with no restrictions, and the governor couldn’t close them down again — that under a bill awaiting a vote in the state Senate after clearing its final committee today (Tues). Melissa Hysing with the Minnesota AFL-CIO objects:
“The bill as I read it says that there will be no penalties to businesses who violate executive orders.”
Republican Senator Eric Pratt from Prior Lake responds it does *not* exempt businesses from OSHA requirements:
“There is no relaxation of OSHA, which creates a safe workplace for employees.”
It’s questionable that the Democrat-controlled Minnesota House would go along with restricting the governor’s emergency powers. DFL leaders warn COVID variants will increase the risk of spread until Minnesota’s population is fully vaccinated.
