Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan Visited Rochester to Highlight Child Care and Early Education Investments in Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget
On Thursday, Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan visited Rochester to celebrate the passage of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget. The budget’s historic investments will help Minnesota’s working families by increasing access to affordable, high-quality child care, early education, and youth programs.
New Data Shows Minnesota’s COVID Restrictions Saved Lives
In case you missed it, KARE 11 aired a story this week detailing new research from the Wilder Foundation showing that Governor Walz’s leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic saved lives. Throughout the pandemic, CDC data shows Minnesota had the lowest death rate of any surrounding state. Rewatch the story here: New data shows Minnesota’s COVID restrictions saved lives.
Following 70% Vaccination Achievement, State to Wind Down Mass Vaccination Sites
Governor Tim Walz announced on Friday that Minnesota will wind down its mass vaccination sites, while continuing efforts to make vaccines accessible with smaller community vaccination sites. With the exception of the Mall of America location, final doses will be administered at Community Vaccination Program mass vaccination sites on or before August 7. Minnesotans who have not received their vaccine are still encouraged to get one at their pharmacy or primary care provider.
Governor Walz Appointed by President Biden to Co-Chair the President’s Bipartisan Council of Governors
Also on Thursday, Governor Tim Walz announced his appointment by President Joe Biden to serve as co-chair on the Council of Governors along with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. The Council, which consists of 10 bipartisan governors, is responsible for advising the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the White House Homeland Security Council on matters related to the National Guard and civil support missions.
“I am honored to be appointed as co-chair to lead this bipartisan group of governors to continue to strengthen the state-federal partnership on matters related to the National Guard and civil support missions,” said Governor Walz. “I look forward to continuing to work with other governors and our federal partners to support the National Guard and advise on matters related to homeland defense and civil support.”
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Laura Bishop Announces Departure
Governor Tim Walz accepted the resignation of Laura Bishop, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner, on Tuesday following notification from Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka that the Republican-led Senate would refuse to confirm Bishop’s appointment.
“I am extremely disappointed in the Republicans in the Senate who are choosing to use taxpayer dollars to play partisan games and try to politicize an agency charged with protecting Minnesotans from pollution because they refuse to acknowledge the science of climate change. Commissioner Bishop’s qualifications are clear, and her principles are unwavering. I am proud of her decision to stand firm in her beliefs that climate change is real and to not bend her policies and values in order to get through this disingenuous confirmation process,” said Governor Walz. “For all Minnesotans who believe in science, who believe in climate change, this is a loss.”
