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Minnesota Senate rejects mask mandate for members
Efforts to require senators to wear face coverings inside the Capitol failed in the GOP-controlled Minnesota Senate. DFL-controlled MN House adopted a mask rule. Author: John Croman Updated: 8:48 PM CST January 9, 2021
ST PAUL, Minn Most lawmakers are already wearing masks at the State Capitol as part of an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, even though they re exempt from Gov. Walz s mask mandate for public spaces.
This week, Democrats asked for a change in Senate rules mandating face coverings for senators and staff in the chamber and other common workspaces in the Capitol complex.
COVID-19 disagreements, shock after US Capitol riot color first week of Minnesota legislative session
The Minnesota Legislature this week kicked off the 2021 legislative session amid divisions over pandemic response and calls for unity after a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol. 1:29 pm, Jan. 8, 2021 ×
A security fence is in place around the Minnesota State Capitol building. Photographed on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. The fence was installed during the civil unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd. (John Autey / St. Paul Pioneer Press)
ST. PAUL After months of political bickering in the nation s only divided Legislature, Minnesota state lawmakers reconvened this week only to be interrupted Wednesday, Jan. 6, by an attack on the U.S. Capitol, an event that shook the nation.
Pandemic front and center, Minnesota Legislature convenes 2021 session The pandemic will remain front and center as the Legislature convenes for 2021. Text size Copy shortlink:
There was not the usual crowd of family members standing shoulder-to-shoulder with representatives on the House floor to celebrate the first day of session. Throngs of activists didn t rally at the Minnesota Capitol in matching shirts to remind legislators of their causes.
As the Legislature kicked off the 2021 regular session Tuesday, it was clear the COVID-19 pandemic would not only shape policymaking, but also basic operations over the next 4½ months.
Legislators were sworn in virtually or in small socially distant groups on the House and Senate floor, with the majority wearing masks. The Capitol is fenced off to the public, so advocacy groups made their cases via Zoom or e-mails.
Sen. Utke one of eight who go maskless at Capitol ceremony
A handful of Republican lawmakers opted not to wear face masks at their swearing in ceremony, which included a tribute to a senator who died of COVID-19.
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By Dana Ferguson and Sarah Mearhoff of Forum News Service and Shannon Geisen of Park Rapids Enterprise | 12:42 pm, Jan. 7, 2021 ×
At least eight senators, including Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids), came to the floor without a face covering during the Jan. 5 swearing in ceremony and a tribute to a senator who died from COVID-19. (Courtesy of Minnesota Senate Media Services)
ST. PAUL It was a first day unlike any other at the Capitol as the Minnesota Legislature kicked off the 2021 session Tuesday, Jan. 5.