Governor Walz Signed Historic Executive Order Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth from the Harmful Practice of Conversion Therapy
On Thursday, Governor Tim Walz signed an Executive Order, protecting Minnesotans from conversion therapy. Conversion therapy, also known as “reparative therapy,” refers to a counseling practice that seeks to change a patient’s gender or sexual orientation. Every leading medical and scientific association including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Education Association have strongly and uniformly rejected conversion therapy for minors, citing its harmful effects on the long-term mental health of LGBTQ+ youth.
“Our kids deserve to grow up in a state that values them for who they are – not one that tries to change them,” said Governor Walz. “This Executive Order aims to protect young and vulnerable Minnesotans from the cruel and discredited practice of conversion therapy and affirms that the LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of One Minnesota. This is not the end of our work to see this practice become a thing of the past. We will continue to fight for love over hate every single day.”
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Kicked Off Statewide Education Tour
This week, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan kicked off an education tour across Minnesota to celebrate the historic investments in education included in Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget. So far, they have made stops to schools in New Hope, Duluth, and Burnsville. Watch for more stops to be announced soon!
“Minnesota’s students sacrificed so much throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in order to protect their communities. That’s why our budget, Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget, makes historic investments to help our students succeed,” said Governor Walz. “Not only will this budget get our students back on track from a year of missed learning opportunities, it will set them up for success for years to come.”
Minnesota Ends Fiscal Year with $2.7 Billion More than Projected
On Monday, the State of Minnesota’s monthly revenue report announced that Minnesota ended the fiscal year with $2.7 billion more than projected. Following this announcement, Minnesota ranked in the top 10 of CNBC Top States for Business in 2021.
“This is good news for Minnesota and proves that our economy is strong. Minnesotans got through this pandemic with grit and resilience, and now our COVID-19 Recovery Budget will continue to drive our economic success by supporting small businesses, working families, and students,” said Governor Walz.
Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan Appoints Commissioners Grove, Robertson, Doty to Frontline Worker Pay Working Group
On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointments of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Commissioner Roslyn Robertson, and Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR) Commissioner Robert Doty to the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group. The working group will direct financial support to Minnesota’s essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Victims of COVID-19
On Friday, Governor Walz directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, August 19, 2021 to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.