Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: November 6, 2020

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce New Department of Revenue Commissioner

Governor Tim Walz today appointed Robert Doty to be the next commissioner of the Department of Revenue (DOR). Doty currently serves as an assistant commissioner at the DOR and has private and nonprofit sector experience in federal and state taxation, finance, accounting, business operations, and human resources. On November 12, he will fill the position left by Cynthia Bauerly, who announced her departure in September after a six-year tenure as commissioner.

“Robert Doty’s experience balancing budgets and bringing a diverse range of voices to the table have prepared him to lead Minnesota through the difficult budget years we’re facing,” said Governor Walz. “As commissioner, Robert Doty will put our values of fairness, integrity, and servant leadership first. I’m proud to appoint him to this critical role.”

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Statements on Passing of Jim Ramstad

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan released the following statements today on the death of Jim Ramstad. Ramstad represented Minnesota’s Third Congressional District from 1991 to 2009 as a Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Jim Ramstad was a colleague, mentor, and friend,” said Governor Walz. “It was a privilege to serve with him in Congress. Few members of Congress commanded the respect and admiration of their peers and constituents that Jim Ramstad did. Jim made the world a better place.”

“Congressman Jim Ramstad was a very good and decent man,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I’ll always appreciate the tireless work he did to champion mental health parity and support for people battling addiction. He was a true public servant. He will be missed.”

Governor Walz: Amid Surging Cases of COVID-19, it’s More Important Than Ever to Heed Experts’ Advice

On Tuesday, with new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continuing to increase across Minnesota, Governor Walz doubled down on his call for Minnesotans to follow leading infection control experts’ advice to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“The virus takes no days off,” said Governor Walz. “I’ve said from the beginning the virus’ spread will dictate our course and we are well into a dark chapter in the story of this pandemic. It is more important than ever that Minnesotans heed the advice of Dr. Birx and every other person who knows something about infection control – wear a mask, avoid crowds, keep distance from others, and take advantage of the many testing opportunities we have all over the state to find out your status.” 

Governor Walz Requests Federal Support for Hospitals, Long-Term Care Facilities

On Wednesday, Governor Walz requested staffing support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for long-term care facilities and hospitals. In a letter submitted to FEMA, the Governor outlined the need to extend current federal staff support and provide an additional 10 medical professionals to help the state combat rising cases of COVID-19. The request would support 10 additional staff that would go to facilities experiencing staff shortages due to the spike in positive cases across the state. It would also provide a 30-day extension of existing federal support.

“Minnesota’s case counts are on the rise, which means the need for staffing support will continue to increase,” Governor Walz wrote in the letter. “Securing this additional staffing support, in addition to extending the current staffing support on the ground in Minnesota, would significantly assist our state during this tenuous time.”

COVID-19 Saliva Community Testing Sites

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering Minnesotans more and different options for COVID-19 testing by offering saliva testing, in addition to traditional COVID-19 community testing, in a growing number of locations across the state. The test is more comfortable than a nasal swab, and available at no cost to anyone who believes they need a COVID-19 test.

Testing sites are located in Duluth, Brooklyn Park, Mankato, Moorhead, St. Cloud, St. Paul, and Winona.

Governor Walz Signs Two Executive Orders on COVID-19

On Thursday, Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-94, which makes technical adjustments to the Safe Learning Plan outlined in Executive Order 20-82 in order to further support students, families, and educators in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On Friday, Governor Walz signed Executive Order 20-95, which amends Executive Order 20-94. Executive Order 20-94 built additional teacher preparation time into the school day for distance and hybrid learning. Executive Order 20-95 clarifies the timeframe for school districts and charter schools to implement that additional preparation time.

Governor Walz Applauds Keetac Opening

Though the Governor’s Internship Program looks a little different this year, it is still an exciting and unique opportunity for Minnesota students interested in public service. As an intern in the Office of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan, you will gain insight into the various paths within public service and learn valuable skills to prepare you for your future career, all while seizing a unique opportunity to give back to the State of Minnesota. Applications for the Spring program close on Friday, December 4, 2020.

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Extend Application Deadline for the Young Women’s Imitative

The Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota is a partnership between the Governor’s Office and the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. This multi-year initiative elevates the leadership and solutions of young women, specifically young women of color, Indigenous young women, young women from Greater Minnesota, LGBTQ+ youth, and young women with disabilities. 

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota invite young women between the ages of 16 and 24, especially those from underrepresented communities from across the state to apply. The application deadline for the Young Women’s Cabinet has been extended until Monday, November 9. 

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM