Governor Tim Walz Delivers Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget
As Minnesota emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tim Walz signed Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget—Minnesota’s state budget for the next two years. The bipartisan budget includes Governor Walz’s priorities to invest in small businesses and drive economic recovery, ensure students catch up on learning to succeed for years to come, and support essential workers and working families.
“Together, we made it through this pandemic, we got the vaccine, and now, with Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget, we are on our way back, stronger than ever,” said Governor Walz.
Minnesota Reaches President Biden’s 70% Vaccination Goal Before July 4
Governor Tim Walz announced Thursday that Minnesota reached the goal set by President Biden and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to vaccinate 70% of the state’s 18-and-older population by July 4. Minnesota is only the second state in the Midwest to meet President Biden’s goal, and it leads the Midwest in the percentage of the overall population fully vaccinated (52%).
“This is a remarkable achievement, and a credit to every Minnesotan who has rolled up their sleeves to get their vaccine and protect themselves and their communities,” said Governor Walz.
Governor Walz Announces Executive Action on Community Safety and Police Reform
This week, Governor Tim Walz announced executive action on community safety and police reform. The Governor’s actions will increase transparency and accountability among local and state law enforcement agencies, as well as investing in violence prevention programs in communities across the state. The Governor’s announcement comes as the Minnesota House and Senate prepare to vote on a bipartisan public safety plan to make Minnesota’s criminal justice system more fair, while making new investments to keep communities safe.
“Right now, we have an opportunity to create safer communities for all Minnesotans by building a public safety system focused on transparency, accountability, and violence prevention,” said Governor Walz.
Governor Walz Reaches Deal with USDA to Protect $45 Million in Hunger Relief for Minnesotans
On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced that he reached a deal with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to protect monthly emergency food payments for Minnesotans.
The Walz-Flanagan Administration’s agreement with the USDA ensures that the state will continue receiving emergency food assistance funds, benefitting grocers, farmers, and truckers who work in the food industry. Without this agreement, the Senate Republicans’ plan would have been devastating for individuals, families, and entire communities who need and deserve healthy food.
Governor Walz Announces $132 Million in Federal American Rescue Plan Education Funds to Support Student Recovery from COVID-19 and Promote Success for Years to Come
On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz announced how Minnesota plans to spend the $132 million in flexible federal education funds the state received as a part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Thousands of Minnesotans provided input on the uses for these funds as the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) developed the state plan. Following public feedback, this funding will support critical programs that were not included in the E-12 Education budget like funding for full-service community schools, expanding rigorous coursework, non-exclusionary discipline training, funding for Life Skills/Transition Programs for students receiving special education, and more.
“Minnesota’s students and families faced so many challenges throughout the pandemic and supporting every one of them remains a top priority, especially as we head into the next school year,” said Governor Walz. “This funding allows us to invest in things that did not find agreement in the education budget, but that we know our students need in order get back on track and stay on track in school.”
Governor Walz Appoints Jesse Seabrooks to Fill Tenth Judicial District Vacancy
Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Jesse Seabrooks as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Tenth Judicial District. Mr. Seabrooks will be replacing the Honorable Kathleen A. Mottl and will be chambered in Center City in Chisago County.
“I am excited to appoint Jesse Seabrooks to the Tenth Judicial District,” said Governor Walz. “Mr. Seabrooks has a broad range of legal experience—including as a Brigade Judge Advocate in the Army National Guard. I am confident that his strong desire to serve and deep commitment to the people of the Tenth Judicial District will make him an excellent judge.”
Governor Walz Authorizes State Disaster Assistance for Marshall County
Governor Tim Walz has authorized emergency assistance for Marshall County for damage sustained from a severe thunderstorm with heavy rains and flooding on May 19-20, 2021. The storm caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, including road washouts and overwhelmed agricultural drainage ditches, and local municipal storm sewer systems.
“The State of Minnesota stands ready to help Marshall County,” said Governor Walz. “We will work closely with local officials to ensure they have the resources and support that they need.”
The Department of Public Safety division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will work with Marshall County Officials to provide assistance as directed by the Governor.
Governor Walz Announces “Safe Travels, Minnesota” Vaccine Incentive with Sun Country Airlines at MSP Terminal 2 Pop-Up Location
Governor Tim Walz announced a new vaccine incentive partnership with Sun Country Airlines encouraging Minnesotans to roll up their sleeves and get their COVID-19 vaccine through the beginning of August.
“Vaccines are effective and can help you explore the country much more safely,” said Governor Walz. “With more than 3 million Minnesotans vaccinated, we’ve made great progress as a state and we want to build on that success by providing a chance to get back to traveling – safely. So roll up your sleeves Minnesota – walk in or make an appointment at Terminal 2, and begin planning your next trip.”
The Terminal 2 vaccination pop-up is located at 7150 Humphrey Drive and is open every day from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking vouchers are available at the MSP Terminal 2 community vaccination location. The vouchers are good for one hour of free parking to any patient visiting the Terminal 2 for the purpose of vaccination. Inquire with staff on site to receive your voucher.
Minnesotans who get their shot between Thursday, July 1 and August 7 at MSP Airport’s Terminal 2 will be entered into a weekly drawing for a $500 travel voucher through Sun Country Airlines. A new winner will be announced weekly for five consecutive weeks.