On December 12, 2022, the CATO Institute and the Manhatten Institute submitted an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court to support the Upper Midwest Law Center’s case regarding Governor Walz’s COVID-19 Pandemic lockdowns of small businesses. CATO and Manhatten Institutes write that while the two groups have not always agreed on legal and policy questions, they share the plaintiffs’ concern in this matter. Both are interested in this case because of their shared concern for robust civil rights protection under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
UMLC is appealing to the Supreme Court a portion of the Northland case involving the claim for reimbursement for the loss of revenue based on the “taking” or hijacking of their businesses during the lockdowns. UMLC has argued that the share of financial reimbursement is valid whether the Governor’s order was constitutional or not because the government owes refunds when it commandeers property, even if done lawfully.
You can read the full amicus brief here.
