MADISON, Wisc. – Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin has signed an emergency order aimed at eliminating price-gouging on infant formula, but Minnesota Governor Tim Walz doesn’t have that authority.
Walz would have to declare a general Peacetime State of Emergency as he did at the start of the COVID pandemic but doing that in response to a baby formula shortage could have serious political — as well as legal — repercussions.
Late last week, in the closing days of the legislative session, Senate Democrats tried to fast-track a bill to prohibit price-gouging in Minnesota, but Republicans wouldn’t allow it.
If the formula shortage became severe enough the governor would have the option to call a special legislative session.
