Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 12, 2020

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June 12, 2020

Today, the Minnesota Board of Pardons, which consists of the Governor, Attorney General, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, granted the state’s first posthumous pardon to Max Mason, who was wrongfully convicted in connection with the lynching of three innocent black men in Duluth. Governor Walz noted that the pardon was 100 years overdue, and acknowledged importance of grappling with Minnesota’s history of racism.

Peacetime Emergency

Following the advice of public health experts, senior advocates, labor, doctors, hospitals, and long-term care providers, Governor Walz today extended the COVID-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to rapidly-evolving issues stemming from COVID-19. Over 50 community and public health organizations have written to Governor Walz, explaining how the peacetime emergency has allowed them to protect Minnesotans and asking him to extend it.

The peacetime emergency protects Minnesotans against evictions and wage garnishment; provides expedited procurement power for PPE and other equipment; allows Minnesota to re-open society strategically, while following the advice of public health experts; and protects workers from unsafe worker conditions. If the peacetime emergency ends, it would jeopardize over $50 million each month in federal funding.

Priorities for the Special Legislative Session

On Wednesday, when Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan announced a special session of the Legislature, they named two main priorities: police reform and accountability and economic recovery. Yesterday, they joined legislative leaders and members of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus—to stand together as a united force, ready to do the work necessary to break down generations of systemic racism in Minnesota’s law enforcement system.

Members of the POCI Caucus have put together a set of meaningful priorities to create change. These are not only necessary reforms – they are also common sense measures. The priorities address everything from far overdue changes to the definition of when ‘use of force’ is allowed; to training programs in de-escalation and mental health intervention; to grants that fund both community-led violence interveners and professional community healers.

Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
  • Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
  • Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
  • Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.

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