Dec. 16 - Gov. Walz Uses Executive Orders to Address Gun Issues

Tom Olmscheid
5 days ago
2 min read

Gov. Tim Walz signs two executive orders: one that would create a statewide safety council to address gun violence and make recommendations and another to provide law enforcement training on protection order laws, gun storage safety and collect information on the cost of gun violence in the state.

Gov. Tim Walz said that he could not sign an executive order to ban assault-style weapons. There is one person, the Speaker of the House, that will not allow a vote on banning assault weapons even though the majority of Minnesotans would like

to see them banned. Here’s the poll numbers:

71% of Twin Cities residents support an assault-style weapons ban

79% of suburban residents

62% in greater Minnesota

45% of Republicans

Kristen Neville, a parent who has children that attend Annunciation Catholic Church and School is surrounded by advocates for tougher gun laws. The families of several victims of the Annunciation shooting said it’s not about blame it’s about responsibility to protect Minnesotans from gun violence.

Sen. Zaynab Mohamed, DFL-Mpls, who represents the residents around Annunciation Catholic Church and School said, “We could already be doing so much more to keep Minnesotans safe”.

Rep. Emma Greenman, DFL-Mpls, thanks Gov. Walz and his public safety leadership team for using the executive power that they have to address the epidemic of gun violence here in Minnesota.

Protect Minnesota Executive Director Maggiy Emery said today we are taking a step toward safety and a step toward common sense to protect Minnesota school children and all Minnesotans.

Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold said Minnesota will be the first state in the country to ask insurance companies for policy and claims data related to firearm injuries, property damage from gunshots and more in an effort to “quantify the risk of firearm-related harm.”

House DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson, Coon Rapids, said there is not one Republican vote to ban military style weapons and that Republican leadership will not allow any legislation to be voted on by the House members.