Press Release: The Peacetime Emergency is More Than Just One Order

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.”