Coronavirus will not close Minnesota Capitol, but business adjustments being made

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders have declined to close the Minnesota Capitol but the way lawmakers conduct business will change due to COVID-19.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman says legislative leaders will work to implement the steps the governor recommended Friday to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, which included measures to cut down on large gatherings.

But Walz says it wouldn’t be democratic to hold major hearings and pass legislation if nobody can weigh in.

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says people can make their voices heard via phone calls emails and smaller groups.