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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minnesota lawmakers return to work Tuesday as the 2021 legislative session begins.
Unlike years past, there will be no crowds in the gallery due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, the DFL-led House plans to meet entirely online. Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Senate will attempt a hybrid approach, with some lawmakers attending at the Capitol and others attending virtually. The Capitol building remains closed to the public.
One of the main issues heading into the session will be Gov. Tim Walz’s use of executive orders in response to the pandemic. Walz, a Democrat, has used emergency powers recently to close bars and restaurants to indoor dining and to put youth sports on hold. The tightened restrictions came in November as the state experienced a record surge in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
RELATED: Gov. Walz Expected To Announce Easing Of Indoor Dining Restrictions
For several months, Republican lawmakers have asked for a seat at the table in regards to the governor’s decisions affecting schools and businesses. However, each time lawmakers have met in special session to decide on extending the governor’s emergency powers, an extension has been granted, as Democrats in the House support the governor’s efforts to fight the virus’ spread.
Other issues lawmakers face this session include a new two-year budget and guidance on how schools will reopen.
On Wednesday, Walz is expected to ease restrictions on bars and restaurants, as the ban on indoor dining is set to expire Monday. Also this week, youth sports games will return, with many student-athletes required to wear masks at all times. Already this week, youth sports practices were allowed to take place after having put on pause for about six weeks.
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