For Immediate Release
May 13, 2020
Contact: Donald McFarland
Phone: 651-236-0494
Saint Paul, MN - Today the Executive Council will consider executive orders to extend the peacetime emergency, protect the rights and health of at-risk populations, protect workers from unsafe working conditions and retaliation, and safely reopen parts of Minnesota’s economy and ensure safe non-work activities.
State Auditor Julie Blaha plans to vote yes on each order and called particular attention to the importance of continuing the peacetime emergency.
“Continuing the peacetime emergency status is essential,” said Auditor Blaha. “Current protections that are dependent on our peacetime emergency status include combating price gouging, limiting evictions, providing pathways for new critical sector professionals to quickly enter their fields, and easing a number of regulatory and reporting requirements. Even as we turn the dial and lift parts of the Stay Safe Minnesota Order, many other components of the peacetime emergency need to continue in full force, and may continue to be needed even after the Stay Safe Minnesota Order is lifted entirely.”
Auditor Blaha went on to explain, “For example, our office knows that local governments still need the flexibility Executive Order 20-22 enables us to provide. The order allows me to temporarily suspend reporting requirements so local governments can focus on their communities’ health – but only for the duration of the peacetime emergency. The effects of COVID-19 are still affecting local governments, so easing requirements are still necessary.”
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The Office of the State Auditor is the constitutional office that oversees nearly $40 billion in local government finances for Minnesota taxpayers. The Office of the State Auditor helps to ensure financial integrity and accountability in local government financial activities. Julie Blaha is Minnesota’s 19th State Auditor. Follow us on Twitter @MNStateAuditor.
