Gazelka Betrays Business Owners, Increases AG Ellison's Budget by 17%

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka betrayed the business owners who defied the Governor's illegal shutdown orders last December by increasing the funding for Attorney General Keith Ellison's office. Currently, those business owners are still being sued and attacked by Ellison in courts on behalf of Walz' Department of Health. 

In an attempt to act tough, Gazelka posted a video on December 17th with a message directed at the Governor and Attorney General, stating that "if you start fining these people $10,000 a piece, you can expect that money to come out of your budget". Gazelka added "you can not keep closing down these businesses, they are hanging on by a thread". That message turned out to be a lie, as Senate Republicans just passed a budget early Wednesday morning that increased the AG's budget by $8 million. Meanwhile, businesses like Haven's Gardens in Lynd, MN are still under attack by Ellison.

Gazelka also made a feeble attempt on the last days of the Special Session to remove the excessive fines imposed on the businesses when he added an amendment to the State Government Finance Bill, SF2. That amendment was removed by House Democrats in conference committee on Sunday. Rep Erik Mortensen tried adding it back into the bill on the House floor late Tuesday night, but it was voted down by all Republicans and Democrats. Gazelka then passed the final bill without the reprieve from fines, leaving these business owners in the same position - under attack by their government.

Here's the language of the amendment that was removed from the final bill:

The State Government Finance Bill contains the AG's budget, which increased by over $8 million or 17% from the last biennium. Gazelka was all talk, no action. He betrayed these business owners and ended up in a position where Governor Walz could do it all over again because he refused to hold up the budget until the Never Again Bill was passed into law. 

Here are the votes on the State Government Finance Bill in the Senate:

Here's the vote in the House:

 

2019 State Finance Bill: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=SF10&type=bill&version=0&session=ls91&session_year=2019&session_number=1 


Walz' Emergency Powers Terminated

Thanks to the calls, emails and financial support of our supporters, Ending Walz' Emergency Powers became the top issue at the Capitol and early this morning, the House and Senate voted to End Governor Walz' Emergency Powers effective 11:59 PM on July 1st.

Action 4 Liberty's team made 55,000 phone calls to voters in the last couple months, putting real pressure on politicians in St Paul to End Walz' Emergency Powers. We've door knocked from Moorhead to Hibbing to Winona. Our team of young liberty professionals donned heavy coats in -30 temps in February and knocked doors through our recent heat wave. All because we were determined to End Walz' Emergency Powers. 

We NEVER GAVE UP! It was clear that crony politicians in St Paul didn't care that one man took over lawmaking in our state. So we forced them to care about the issue by bringing intense pressure on them. 

While we're thrilled that we achieved our first objective of Ending Walz' Emergency Powers, Gazelka and the Political Class have left us vulnerable to this all happening again

Liberty Champion Erik Mortensen introduced the Never Again Bill last March that would solve the problem of Unilateral Emergency Powers. But Gazelka REFUSED to listen to YOU and pass the bill. 

So Governor Walz could reissue completely new Unilateral Emergency Powers at any time. All because Gazelka was too weak to STOP the budget before the Never Again Bill was passed into law.

Gazelka needs to learn a lesson from the Democrats. Late last night, they were able to force Senate Republicans to pass their radical Public Safety bill or else risk a partial government shutdown. This is how the ugly politics work in the final hours of a legislative session, Gazelka should have played hardball...but he didn't.

Even worse, instead of a resolution to End Walz' Emergency Powers, Gazelka stuck the language in the State Government Finance Bill that completely funds the Governor's office and gives the Attorney General a 22% pay increase!

Democrats abolished the provision in the bill that would forgive the fines paid by courageous business owners who defied the Governor's illegal orders. And Gazelka not only gave up on that provision, he helped fund the Attorney General's office that is still going after them!

Our work is not done. Action 4 Liberty is committed to pass Mort's Never Again Bill so this never happens to us again.

We hired 10 young liberty professionals this summer to come work for our growing operations. We're making serious commitments to protect liberty for the next generation. 

It's crystal clear to us that we need to grow larger, expand our team and bring even more pressure against the Political Class that is destroying Minnesota.

Now it's critically important we continue building so we STOP future lockdowns, mask mandates and vaccine passports.

 


Gazelka Pushes DANGEROUS Fake End Powers Bill

Action 4 Liberty has fought to End Walz' Unilateral Emergency Powers for the last 15 months. Our objective has been to first End Walz' current Emergency Powers. Then we have to make sure they Never Happen Again!

That's why we worked with Liberty Champion, Rep Erik Mortensen to create the Never Again Bill that eliminates Walz' Emergency Powers. It's the only bill that ensures Walz' Emergency Powers NEVER happen again!

We are almost about to accomplish that first objective and that's because of our supporters making calls, sending emails and donating to our pressure campaign!

But danger lurks in the waters. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka is looking to put Emergency Powers in our Constitution. Currently, the Governor's Emergency Powers are NOT in the Constitution, they are state statutes that are in direct conflict with our Constitution. Liberals would love nothing more than to upgrade Emergency Powers into the State Constitution.

We say NO WAY! Don't enshrine Emergency Powers in our Constitution. Don't etch in stone the abuse we experienced over the last 15 months.

Gazelka's Dangerous Fake End Powers Bill would put a question on the November 2022 ballot. If it passes, it doesn't solve the problem because a simple Democrat Majority would ensure Endless Emergency Powers happen again. Even worse - If voters vote it down, Walz will proclaim that Minnesotans want him to keep his Unilateral Emergency Powers. This is a lose/lose position.

THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! We can't let this pass.


Your Tax Money Will Pay for Riot Damage in Minneapolis Thanks to Gazelka Deal

A deal was struck between Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and Democrats to send taxpayer money to riot damaged businesses in Minneapolis and St Paul. Instead of writing a check to those cities though, they created a new government program called the "Main Street Economic Revitalization Program". $80 Million of state taxpayer money will be used for special grants and up to $2 Million loans for "eligible projects" that include "repair or renovation of real property" that have arisen since March 15, 2020. Eligible recipients include businesses, nonprofit organizations or developers. 

According to the Jobs and Economic Development Omnibus Bill, SF9, the program will be established by Governor Walz' DEED Commissioner and the money will transfer to "partnered organizations" to make the determination of who gets your money. 

Is this a Minneapolis Bailout? If you ask Gazelka, he'd stop short at calling it that. In a message provided to us from a constituent, Gazelka stated "we have a state wide business grant program, that people from Brainerd to Minneapolis are eligible for". According to the bill, an "equal dollar amount of leveraged grants and guaranteed loans are made to businesses in the metropolitan area as in the non metropolitan area". Politicians are the masters of spin!

To cut to the chase, you will definitely be paying for Minneapolis businesses damaged by the riots. Conservatives have long stated their opposition to sending tax money to Minneapolis, since it should be the city's responsibility to pay for it. Here's a video from State Senator Mark Koran stating that Senate Republicans would not use tax money to pay for Minneapolis riot damage. "It's not the responsibility of every average, hardworking citizen in the state of Minnesota" said Koran. "We're going to keep fighting that battle, and make sure it's not coming out of your wallet"

Koran joined all other Senate Republicans in voting for the bill that sends your money to pay for riot damage. The Minnesota House has yet to vote on it, but will likely pass with Democrats in control of that chamber. Pay close attention - you'll likely hear House Republicans call it a Minneapolis bailout on the House floor. 

 


Lobbyist Legislator Daudt Featured in "Get Your Vaccine" Commercial

House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt is featured in a paid advertisement that urges Minnesotans to get their COVID vaccination. Daudt is not a scientist and does not work in the medical industry. Instead he is employed by a Washington D.C. lobbying firm called Stateside Associates, which lists pharmaceutical companies on its website as clients. 

Here's the paid advertisement:

In the ad, Daudt "urge[s] you to take your shot today". He states that he got the vaccine and he "hopes you will too". The ad comes from a newly created nonprofit called the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease. Daudt labels the vaccines as "safe" because government authorized them. 

Currently, taxpayers are funding a government incentive program directed towards teenagers in Minnesota spearheaded by Democrat Governor Tim Walz. The Governor has held onto Unilateral Emergency Powers now for 466 days straight. Daudt prides himself as the biggest fighter against Walz at the Capitol, but this isn't the first time Daudt's bonafides come into question. Daudt easily accepted the mask mandate on Capitol grounds with the Democrat majority, forcing all legislators and staff to mask up. Back in January, he even spoke on the House Floor about the efficacy of masks, stating that he wore "this mask to protect you". 

Daudt is at great odds with a large faction of Minnesotans, including many in the Republican base who opposed mask mandates and a government funded vaccine bribery program. Action 4 Liberty is among them. Recent released Anthony Fauci emails show why many of us opposed mask mandates - they don't work. We've also warned people against listening to politicians about taking experimental drugs. Instead people should do their own research and consult their health care providers.

It's a mystery how Daudt is able to work for a lobbying firm while also serving in the legislature. This is an obvious conflict of interest. But it's even more problematic that he pushes for vaccines when there's a chance his employer gets money from the pharmaceutical companies that profit from them. 

To make matters worse, Daudt stated on the House floor yesterday that health insurance bailouts (known as the Reinsurance bill) are the "number one, most important issue" to his Republican caucus. Apparently ending Walz' Emergency Powers plays second fiddle to his socialistic-style program that takes taxpayer money and redistributes it to insurance claims.

So Daudt helped push forward a Capitol grounds mask mandate, is featured in a paid advertisement promoting vaccines and is not prioritizing Ending Walz' Emergency Powers as the number one issue for House Republicans. This is the problem with the political class up at the Capitol - they really aren't fighting for you. 


Minneapolis Bailout Appears to Be Part of Deal Struck by Gazelka

Vague language in the Jobs and Economic Development Omnibus Bill suggests that state taxpayers will be on the hook for bailing out the damage left by rioters in Minneapolis last year. Using $80 Million of "redevelopment" funding, business owners will be able to apply for grants and loans, paid for by Minnesota taxpayers across the state.

According to Fox 9, businesses can get $750,000 in grant money and $2 Million in loan guarantees. Although, they report it's not "clear how much money will flow to riot rebuilding".

Democrats were asking for a $300 Million package in total. Some Republican legislators, strongly opposed any money going towards funding the destruction in Minneapolis. Gazelka's deal strays away from those wishes. Although, all legislators will get to weigh in on it when HF1 gets a vote in the House and Senate.


First Week of Special Session Ends with No Budget, Emergency Powers Remain

The first week of the Minnesota Legislature's Special Session to End Walz' Emergency Powers has for all intents and purposes, come to a close since the Senate adjourned until Monday without passing any budget bills. Currently, the Minnesota House is on Day 2 of a Republican led filibuster to stop the advancement of budget bills that were agreed to by Walz, Speaker Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka behind closed doors. Since the House needs to pass the bills first, there's zero chance of them reaching Walz' desk this week.

Without a doubt, Ending Walz' Emergency Powers is a top issue behind negotiations of the large budget bills, thanks primarily to the supporters of Action 4 Liberty. But to ensure this never happens again, it's key that the legislature passes Rep Erik Mortensen's Never Again Bill before agreeing to vote on budget bills that fund Walz' agencies. Currently, the Dept of Health is attacking small businesses who defied Walz' illegals orders back in December of 2020. 

A lot is at stake in the next 12 days. Governor Walz does not appear to want to let go of his Emergency Powers, which means he's willing to risk a partial government shutdown on July 1st. With the media scare tactics in full swing with the COVID delta variant, holding onto Emergency Powers could mean future shutdowns or new mask mandates. Also, why would Walz want to let go of power - that's why guys like him get into politics.

The Special Session all comes down to whether or not Paul Gazelka and Senate Republicans are willing to stand firmly against Unilateral Emergency Powers. If they refuse to pass a budget until Mort's Never Again Bill is passed, Minnesotans will be saved from a tyrannical governor in the future. But if they sell out, we'll end up with more growth of government, a fully funded Dept of Health and the ability for it all to happen again.

 


Cal Bahr, Julie Sandstede & Others Offer Fake End Powers Bills

Republican and Democrat legislators introduced Fake End Powers Bills as the Legislature reconvened for the first day of the Special Session. Rep Cal Bahr introduced a bill trying to mimic Rep Erik Mortensen's Never Again Bill, even stealing the name and the popular Citizen's Bill of Rights provision. However, Bahr's awful bill, HF28, allows the Governor to keep the power to unilaterally declare an emergency. In order to extend the powers after 30 days, a simple majority is all that is needed, which means Minnesotans would be in the same position again if the Democrats were in control of the House and Senate.

One might call this bill the "Almost Never Again Bill".

Bahr's Fake Bill appears to be a pathetic attempt at trying to derail Action 4 Liberty's effort to force the Never Again Bill to the top of priorities in the Legislature. Cal Bahr is part of the New House Republican Caucus that kicked Liberty Champion Erik Mortensen out of their caucus. This led to Cal Bahr and Jeremy Munson losing membership with Young Americans for Liberty's Hazlitt Coalition. 

Not to be out done by turncoat Republicans, Democrat legislators Julie Sandstede and Gene Pelowski introduced a shocking bill today that actually expands Emergency Powers. The bill, HF 22, grants the Governor the ability to declare an emergency for "a pandemic or other public health emergency". After 458 days of Governor Walz' Unilateral Emergency Powers, it's shocking that Democrats admit through the language of this bill, that the Governor never had the powers for a pandemic. Why else would they use this language?

Just like Cal Bahr, Munson and gang's bill, Sandstede's bill would do nothing about ending the Governor's unilateral powers to declare an emergency. This highlights how Democrats and Republicans don't actually care about making sure this Never Happens Again.

There's only one way to truly End Walz' Emergency Powers and ensure it Never Happens Again. And that's to pass Rep Mortensen's Never Again bill now. 

Mort's Bill:

 


Never Again Protest Was A Huge Success

The Never Again protest, spearheaded by patriot Michele Even, was a huge success. On Monday morning, activists from all across the state made their way to St. Paul to show their support for Representative Erik Mortensen’s Never Again bill

Legislators were called back to the Capitol this week because Governor Walz' extended his Unilateral Emergency Powers for the 15th time in a row. Since the legislature didn't pass a budget by May 17th, there will be a partial government shutdown starting on July 1st if an agreement isn't met. Either Walz agrees to Unilateral End Emergency Powers for good, or Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka is going to sell out and pass a budget the funds Walz' agencies.

Here are a few pictures from the protest:

 

 

 

Activists showed Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka that Mortensen’s bill needs to be passed into law before anything else -- it’s that important. As you can see from the pictures above, the protest spoke volumes about the massive support that this bill has.

Action 4 Liberty will continue to be your liberty advocate in St Paul in the final days of the Special Session.


Never Again Bill Protest on Monday

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka is standing in the way of passing the most important legislation of our time: the Never Again Bill!  

After 457 days of one man's Unilateral Declaration of Emergency Powers, every sane individual should be demanding that Walz' Emergency Powers end for good. And the only way to ensure that happens is by passing Rep Erik Mortensen's Never Again Bill.

There are a lot of fake End Powers bills out there, and I'd imagine you'll see some more fakers create their own bills again this week. But Mort's Never Again Bill is the only one that removes Walz from unilaterally declaring an emergency and ensures that an emergency can only be declared by a 2/3 majority of the legislature. 

A 2/3 Majority is critically important because it protects us even when Democrats are in complete control of state government!

To show support for Mort's Never Again Bill, and to put pressure on weak Senate Republicans, Michele Even, a true patriotic activist, has put together an excellent Never Again Protest tomorrow, Monday, June 14th in front of the Senate Office Building.

Michele wants our voice to be heard by every Senator, especially Weakling Gazelka, so they know there's a price to pay for selling out on Minnesota. For the first time in 15 months, the Senate Office building will be open to the public.

Join Michele, myself and Rep Erik Mortensen as the fence around the Capitol is torn down and the public is allowed back in. Make YOUR voice heard about how the Never Again Bill needs to pass before Gazelka agrees to a budget deal with Democrats.

 

Where: Senate Office Building

When: Monday, June 14th at 10:30 am

More information here.

 

Listen Allen, politics is won by those who show up. Radical leftists protest at the Capitol and often control the political landscape. We need every politician up there to see the power of our movement. And you can help.

Please come join us on June 14th at 10:30 am at the Senate Office Building. Look for the crowd waving "Never Again" signs around. You'll know you're in the company of fellow patriots!

Can't make it? Help us pay for the signs, cowbells and horns by donating today. Donate $25, $50 or $100 immediately to help us make a loud voice on Monday! 

This is the time when legislators start to compromise and give in to the radical left. Stop that from happening by showing up tomorrow!