Governor Walz Signs Local Jobs and Projects Plan Into Law
At the Ironworkers Local 512 Training Center in St. Paul on Wednesday, Governor Walz signed into law the $1.9 billion Local Jobs and Projects Plan that will invest in construction and renovation projects across the state and create thousands of jobs for Minnesotans.
“Our Local Jobs and Projects Plan will create thousands of good-paying jobs at a time when Minnesotans are looking for work,” said Governor Walz. “This bipartisan plan invests in the projects that local communities told us matter most to them. Whether that’s roads and bridges, clean water, or affordable housing, this plan will help ensure every community in Minnesota prospers.”
The $1.87 billion bonding bill will help pay for hundreds of infrastructure projects that will bring long-term benefits to communities across the state, including:
- $627 million for transportation infrastructure, including local roads and bridges
- $269 million for water infrastructure projects
- $166 million for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State
- $116 million for safe and affordable housing
The bill also includes tax cuts for farmers and small businesses, funding to allow the Willow River and Togo correctional facilities to remain open, and temporary pay increases for personal care assistants who care for vulnerable Minnesotans.
Minnesota Farm Tour, Governor Walz Announces Relief for Farmers, Producers Impacted by COVID-19
While travelling to small farms in Southern Minnesota on Monday, Governor Walz announced a $7.7 million plan to support agricultural producers, meat processors, and farmers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the financial support will help farmers who have experienced market disruptions recover from and purchase equipment and supplies necessary for COVID-19.
“Market instability and unprecedented weather conditions put farmers in a tough place even before COVID-19. The work they’ve done to continue to feed Minnesotans and our nation throughout this challenging time is remarkable,” said Governor Walz. “As someone who grew up on a family farm, I stand with our farmers and am proud to allocate this much-needed support .”
Governor Marks Opening of Minnesota’s New COVID-19 Saliva Lab in Oakdale
On Tuesday, Governor Walz toured a new COVID-19 saliva lab in Oakdale, which is the result of a partnership to increase access to testing for Minnesotans and is expected to make test results available sooner. Minnesota’s saliva testing program includes the creation of up to 10 testing sites across Minnesota, a mail order program, and the creation of the Oakdale lab.
The Infinity BiologiX (IBX) COVID saliva lab will have the capability of processing up to 30,000 samples a day when operating at full capacity, and will employ up to 250 Minnesotans. The lab is part of a collaboration with Vault Health, the developer of the at-home and on-site COVID saliva testing platform, and IBX, the developer of the saliva test.
“While there is still work to do to remove obstacles to testing for all Minnesotans, our robust, collaborative statewide testing program helps us keep all Minnesotans safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “ I’m grateful for our strong partnership with community leadership, local public health officials, health care systems, and many others that made this testing laboratory possible in Minnesota.”
Statewide testing push continues into week of Oct. 26
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is continuing a statewide push to increase access to “no-barrier” COVID-19 testing with a sixth week of testing locations. MDH is partnering with local public health officials and other community partners to offer testing the week of Oct. 26 in Tyler, Madison, Waconia, Little Falls, and Red Wing.
As always with no-barrier testing opportunities, this testing will be free, available to anyone who wants to be tested whether they have symptoms or not, and will not require insurance.
Governor Walz Announces Federal Disaster Declaration to Help Farmers Recover From Severe Drought
Governor Walz announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated primary agricultural disasters in parts of Minnesota due to extreme drought conditions for more than eight consecutive weeks during the 2020 growing season.
“Extreme drought this growing season added stress and financial hardship during an already difficult time for the agricultural industry,” said Governor Walz. “Harsh weather conditions directly impact our farmers’ bottom line. These disaster declarations will provide some assistance to help them recover.”
Farmers in Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, and Rock counties are now eligible to apply for emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency. Farmers in adjacent states, including 16 Iowa counties and three South Dakota counties, are also eligible to apply for disaster relief.
Governor Walz Authorizes State Disaster Assistance for Cass, Kittson, Marshall, Wilkin Counties
On Monday, Governor Walz authorized emergency assistance for Cass, Kittson, Marshall, and Wilkin counties, which sustained substantive damage caused by severe thunderstorms with heavy rains, flooding, and damaging winds over the summer.
“In Minnesota, we come together to help each other when our communities need a hand,” said Governor Walz. “We will work closely with these counties to ensure they have the resources and support they need to recover in the wake of these storms.”
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