Governor Walz Calls for Moment of Silence to Honor George Floyd on One Year Anniversary of His Death
Governor Walz issued a proclamation asking Minnesotans for a moment of silence at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 for 9 minutes and 29 seconds to honor George Floyd on the one year anniversary of his death. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“George Floyd’s murder ignited a global movement and awakened many Minnesotans and people around the world to the systemic racism that our Black communities, Indigenous communities, and communities of color have known for centuries,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “On April 20, 2021, a jury found Derek Chauvin guilty of George Floyd’s murder. This historic verdict was a step in the right direction, but our work to dismantle systematic racism and discrimination has not ended. True justice for George Floyd will come only through real, systemic change to prevent acts like this from happening again—when every member of every community, no matter their race, is safe, valued, and protected.”
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan also released statements on the anniversary.
Governor Walz Launches ‘Your Shot to Summer’ Incentives Campaign Encouraging COVID-19 Vaccinations by July 1
On Thursday, Governor Walz launched ‘Your Shot to Summer,’ the state’s COVID-19 vaccine incentive campaign encouraging Minnesotans to roll up their sleeves and get their COVID-19 vaccine during the next month.
The campaign aims to get 70 percent of Minnesotans 16 years of age and older vaccinated by July 1. The first 100,000 Minnesotans who get their first shot between May 27 and June 30 will be able to choose the reward of their preference from a wide-ranging list of options, including state parks passes, fishing licenses, and tickets to various summer attractions and events.
Minnesotans can verify their first dose and indicate their preferred vaccine reward at mn.gov/covid19/summer.
Governor Walz Announces ‘Cheers to the Vaccine’ Campaign in Partnership with Local Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
On Friday, Governor Walz, in partnership with the Craft Brewers Guild and the Minnesota Distillers Guild, launched the ‘Cheers to the Vaccine’ campaign providing free or discounted drinks to vaccinated adults. Minnesotans 21 years of age and older who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose will be eligible for a free or discounted drink at participating establishments starting May 28 through June 30.
Establishments participating in the ‘Cheers to the Vaccine’ campaign include:
- Bad Weather Brewing Company
- Bald Man Brewing
- Dampfwerk Distillery Co.
- Far North Spirits, Inc.
- Isanti Spirits
- La Dona Cerveceria
- Lawless Distilling Company
- L’Etoile du Nord
- Loon Liquors
- Lupulin Brewing Company
- Richwood Winery
- Royal Foundry Craft Spirits
- Spiral Brewery
- Stilheart Distillery and Cocktail Lounge
- Unmapped Brewing Co.
- Utepils Brewing Co.
Minnesotans are reminded to always drink responsibly and plan a sober ride.
2.5 Million Minnesotans Have Received Complete Vaccine Series
On Monday, Governor Walz announced that 2.5 million Minnesotans have completed the vaccination process. The milestone comes as 64% of Minnesotans 16+ have at least one dose and new COVID-19 cases, positivity rates, and hospitalizations continue to steadily decline.
“Minnesotans know how to take care of each other, and I am deeply grateful for the 2.5 million Minnesotans who have completed their vaccine series to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and their community,” said Governor Walz. “What we’re seeing is simple and clear: the more our vaccination numbers rise, the more our COVID-19 numbers fall – and the more life looks like normal. We’ve made strong progress, but we need everyone who can get vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible so we can all have the summer we want and be protected from the virus.”
Governor Walz Signs Landmark Bipartisan Energy Legislation
ECO Act to strengthen Minnesota’s energy conservation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create jobs
This week, Governor Walz announced that he has signed the Energy Conservation and Optimization Act of 2021 (ECO Act) into law. The legislation will strengthen Minnesota’s energy conservation programs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create jobs across the state.
“I am proud to sign this important energy legislation into Minnesota law,” said Governor Walz. “We know that investing in energy conservation and beneficial fuel switching means that Minnesota’s homes and businesses run more efficiently and have a lower impact on our environment. The ECO Act will help Minnesota families and small businesses save money, create good-paying jobs, and, most importantly, protect Minnesota’s environment for generations to come. I would like to thank Representative Stephenson and Senator Rarick on the leadership and hard work on this bill.”
State Fairgrounds Vaccination Site Begins Single Dose Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations
This week, Governor Walz announced that the Community Vaccination site at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds will begin administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and walk-in appointments are now available.
All Minnesotans age 18 years and older are eligible to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. While walk-ins are accepted, appointments are available via the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector or by calling 833-431-2053.
Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff
In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, Governor Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in Minnesota effective immediately until sunset on Sunday, May 30, 2021, to honor the eight lives lost to gun violence in San Jose, California on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
Governor Walz has also ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 31, 2021, in honor of those who have died while serving in the United States Military.
