East Twin Cities

Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen voted during a special session to end Gov. Tim Walz's emergency powers, but there was not enough support from House Democrats for the measure to pass.

This has been the longest period of time residents have lived under a state of emergency since World War II, according to the Star Tribune.

Gruenhagen said the governor's response to COVID-19 and his exercise of power has devastated the state's economy and failed to protect the most vulnerable Minnesotans.

Other topics discussed during the special session included taxes, COVID response, distribution of CARES Act funds, changes to emergency powers, police reform and bonding.

In his legislative update, Gruenhagen also addressed the vandalism of the Christopher Columbus statue on the Capitol Grounds. Both Gov. Walz and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said they were aware of a protest group's intentions and pledged to protect the statue. The statue was torn down and law enforcement was not present. Gruenhagen said the governor allowed felony property damage on the Capitol Grounds just as he allowed Minneapolis businesses and the third precinct to burn.