Tag: Gov. Walz

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July 30, 2020

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Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, along with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), announced Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year.

School districts and charter schools will begin in one of three models: in-person, distance learning, or a hybrid model. Experts at the Departments of Health and Education will partner with local school districts and charter schools to help determine which learning model they should use to start the school year. The decision-making process centers on the health, safety, and wellbeing of our students, staff, and families by using the level of viral activity in the surrounding county and other factors such as the district’s ability to meet mitigation requirements. The learning model decision will be announced by the local school district.

“As a classroom teacher for more than 20 years and a parent of a child in public schools, I am committed to providing a world-class education to our students while keeping them and their teachers safe,” said Governor Walz. “With this approach, we are pairing the knowledge and data from our Departments of Health and Education with the expertise of our local school districts to make the best decisions for our students across the state.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 30, 2020”

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July 29, 2020

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Updates from the Governor

Today at Liberty Packaging, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan highlighted the state’s distribution of more than 4 million masks to businesses, their customers, and people who are unable to afford a mask or easily obtain one. The masks are being distributed to Chambers of Commerce, community organizations, and other providers across the state, who are then responsible for distributing to people.

The one-time allotment of masks includes 4 million disposable masks for businesses and more than 300,000 cloth masks for at-risk communities that will go to will go to community organizations, food banks, area agencies on aging, and affordable housing providers. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 29, 2020”

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July 27, 2020

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Updates from the Governor

COVID-19 has reached every county in Minnesota. As the virus continues to spread, the Department of Health encourages Minnesotans to continue following public health guidance by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, frequently washing hands, and staying home when sick. Even if you do not have symptoms, you can spread the virus to others.

Also today, the Department of Human Services is encouraging Minnesotans who participate in food and cash assistance programs to renew their applications when they receive a notice in the mail. Minnesotans who receive SNAP, Minnesota Family Investment Program, General Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid or Housing Support benefits and have reached the end of their certification period any time from March through August will soon receive a written notice in the mail to renew the application.

More than 20,000 food and cash benefit recipients must renew their applications in August to ensure they continue to receive their benefits. Participants with questions about their case can contact their county or tribal human services office. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 27, 2020”

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July 25, 2020

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Updates from the Governor

Beginning today, Minnesotans are required to wear masks in indoor businesses and public spaces to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read FAQs on the mask requirement, which public health experts have advocated for, calling it a simple and effective step to keep Minnesotans safe. Below is an overview of the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s actions this week.

Week in Review

On Monday, July 20 the Department of Employment and Economic Development continued an ongoing effort to keep Minnesotans informed about state resources available for support, especially as families prepare for the potential expiration of the additional $600 federal Unemployment Insurance benefit. Minnesotans who need additional state and community services and resources should visit http://mn.gov/covid19/gethelp.

On Tuesday, July 21 Governor Walz announced that Minnesota continues to make progress on the five-point battle plan announced in May to limit and stop the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. Deaths have sharply declined from past weeks and data shows that efforts to identify and contain the spread of COVID-19 in various congregate care settings have been successful. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 25, 2020”

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July 24, 2020

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Updates from the Governor

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that they have distributed small business emergency loans to 1,020 small businesses throughout Minnesota, helping them to survive the initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan Program is part of a slate of emergency financing options for small Minnesota businesses. Other state options included the Small Business Loan Guarantee program and the Small Business Relief Grant program. State programs complement larger federal government programs, including Small Business Administration assistance, and the Paycheck Protection Program.

You can see a list of businesses that received a Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan, as well as a breakout of loans by region and lender, on DEED’s website. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 24, 2020”

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July 23, 2020

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Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today signed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act, authored by members of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, which will begin to address systemic inequities in Minnesota’s criminal justice system. The bill signing follows weeks of advocacy from Minnesotans across the state who have called for reform after the death of George Floyd.

“This bipartisan bill follows decades of advocacy by communities of color,” said Governor Walz. “And it is a good first step. These are long-overdue changes, but they do not end the conversation we’re having about police accountability. The POCI Caucus has shown tremendous leadership on this issue and I look forward to continuing our work with them to bring meaningful reform.”

“I am proud to stand with legislators who have put in hard work and long nights to get this police accountability and reform package across the finish line,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “There is more that we need to do to make sure that Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color feel safe and valued in their communities. This bipartisan bill is the start of building a public safety system that serves and protects all Minnesotans.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 23, 2020”