Lewis’ Lawsuit Against Walz Heard in Federal Court Today
September 17th, 2020
ST. PAUL, Minn. — U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis held a press conference today following a hearing for the lawsuit the campaign filed in May challenging Governor Tim Walz’s “stay at home” executive orders as unconstitutional. The press conference was held at Tin Cups in St. Paul, a restaurant owned by Gidget Bailey, who was one of many small businesses owners who struggled due to the overreaching lockdown. Bailey also had to protect her business during the riots following George Floyd’s death, singlehandedly fending off looters and arsonists.
“As we said at the time when we filed our lawsuit, this action was not just about us—it’s about taking up the cause of Minnesota businesses and communities impacted by Democrats’ one-size-fits-all economic lockdown,” Lewis said. “For months I traveled around Minnesota, meeting with small business owners and helping them tell their stories and struggles. The overreach from these unprecedented lockdowns didn’t just mean economic hardship and favoritism, it’s threatened our most basic liberties, including the fundamental right to travel and meet with friends and neighbors or even go to school. Our action served as a notice on the state that it too has limits on its power, especially when its arbitrary actions encroach on the freedoms and economic security of Minnesotans.”
“Meanwhile, Senator Tina Smith has blocked much-needed COVID relief three times and has delayed the Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness. While Senator Smith keeps playing political games with Minnesotans’ livelihoods, I will keep fighting to reopen our state, get our kids back in school, and get our economy moving again,” Lewis concluded.
See additional testimonials below from members of the small business community that Lewis has advocated for:
“Governor Walz’s forced closure of restaurant and bars was devastating for my family-run business. Of course we were concerned about the virus, but we were also concerned about all the businesses like ours. Jason Lewis listened to our concerns and understood we could protect the vulnerable while also saving small businesses. I am grateful for his leadership and how he was willing to stick his neck out and fight for us.” Gidget Bailey, owner of Tin Cups in St. Paul
“Summers are short here in Minnesota, and many resorts and small businesses like ours rely on summer tourism. Governor Tim Walz had no regard for how the never-ending lockdown would impact our industry. Jason Lewis understood the risks of staying closed all summer and I am grateful for his leadership in speaking out against the lockdown.” Mike Schwieters, owner of Boyd Lodge in Crosslake
“Governor Tim Walz’s one-size-fits-all lockdown crushed small businesses like ours. With no revenue coming in, we had to dip into our savings just to pay the bills. Governor Walz didn’t seem to care about our situation, but Jason Lewis did. He took the time to visit our business, put himself in our shoes, and use his platform to advocate for businesses like ours.” Todd and Grace Lundgren, owners of Country Goods Store in Owatonna
“As the owner of multiple gyms in the Twin Cities, Governor Walz’ mandate shutting down all gyms and fitness centers hit my business hard. And even as Governor Walz allowed other businesses to start to reopen, he still forced gyms to stay closed. Jason Lewis was one of the few people who were calling out Walz for his arbitrary lockdown guidelines and how he was hurting small businesses.” Faamati Winey, owner of multiple Snap Fitness gyms in the Twin Cities area
“The impact Governor Walz’ lockdown has had on farmers is often overlooked, but it is very real to us. From livestock farmers to crop farmers, we all felt the burden of the lockdown. Jason Lewis took the time to listen to the challenges we were facing, and he was the only one advocating for real solutions that would help us get back on our feet.” Jeff, Yon, and Mike Kohlnhofer, Kohlnhofer Farms in Goodhue
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