Governor Walz Proclaims Juneteenth Freedom Day in the State of Minnesota
Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrate new federal holiday
Governor Walz has proclaimed June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in the State of Minnesota. This comes a day after President Joe Biden signed a law recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, creating a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
“Juneteenth is an important opportunity for all communities across our state and Nation to celebrate freedom, honor African Americans and their history, and commit to growing from the tragedies of the past,” said Governor Walz. “It is important that as we celebrate this year’s Juneteenth, we recognize that there is still work to be done, here in Minnesota, nation-wide, and globally.”
Minnesota Vaccine Ambassadors to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations
Today, Governor Walz announced the State of Minnesota is partnering with leaders representing all aspects of Minnesota life – including the arts, business and civic community, sports, and elected officials – to spread the word about the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. In the state’s continued efforts to meet Minnesotans where they are and get them the information they need to decide to get vaccinated, this initial roster of leaders will engage directly with Minnesotans all across the state, highlighting the benefits of getting vaccinated to each individual and their community.
Local leaders participating include:
- Dessa, Singer, rapper, and writer
- Pat Baustian, Mayor of Luverne
- Ben Schierer, Mayor of Fergus Falls
- PJ Fleck, Head Football Coach at University of Minnesota
- Beth Ford, President and CEO of Land O’Lakes
- Dr. Daniel Grossman, CMO of Best Buy and Emergency Medicine Physician
- Dr. Josie Johnson, civil rights activist
- Ben Schierer, Mayor of Fergus Falls
- Lindsay Whalen, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at University of Minnesota
Governor Walz Announces 3 Million Minnesotans Have Received At Least One COVID-19 Vaccine Dose
On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced that more than three million Minnesotans have now received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The milestone comes as Minnesota’s COVID-19 outlook continues to improve and the state reports the lowest number of new cases and hospitalizations since the earliest weeks of the pandemic. Since December, nearly all new cases and hospitalizations have occurred in unvaccinated Minnesotans.
Governor Walz Appoints Bhupesh Pattni to Fill Sixth Judicial District Vacancy
On Thursday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced the appointment of Bhupesh Pattni as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. Mr. Pattni will be replacing the Honorable Mark M. Starr and will be chambered in Hibbing in St. Louis County.
“Mr. Pattni is a phenomenal addition to the St. Louis County bench,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “He possesses a valuable perspective and drive to recognize opportunities to make our justice system fairer and more equitable for all. I am thrilled and hopeful to see him assume this important position.”
Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Lives Lost to COVID-19
lso on Thursday, Governor Walz directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, June 19, 2021. He has directed flags to fly at half- staff on the 19th of every month to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.