Nov. 24, 2021

Gov. Tim Walz says he won’t reverse a policy requiring on-site state workers to prove vaccination or undergo COVID-19 testing.

The request to undo the policy he implemented in September came from Senate Republicans during discussions over a possible special session. Walz spoke by phone with legislative leaders Tuesday about ways to break a logjam holding up pandemic worker bonuses, drought relief and nursing home assistance. Walz said federal regulations would compel the same COVID-19 regulations for an operation the size of state government.

About 80 percent of state employees subject to the rule have provided vaccination proof. Discipline has been rare, with only one worker fired so far for violating the policy.

Also, St. Paul’s police union has filed an employment suit against the city, trying to block a vaccine mandate there, due to go into effect by the end of 2021.

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