Tag: Gov. Walz

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 12, 2020

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June 12, 2020

Today, the Minnesota Board of Pardons, which consists of the Governor, Attorney General, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, granted the state’s first posthumous pardon to Max Mason, who was wrongfully convicted in connection with the lynching of three innocent black men in Duluth. Governor Walz noted that the pardon was 100 years overdue, and acknowledged importance of grappling with Minnesota’s history of racism.

Peacetime Emergency

Following the advice of public health experts, senior advocates, labor, doctors, hospitals, and long-term care providers, Governor Walz today extended the COVID-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to rapidly-evolving issues stemming from COVID-19. Over 50 community and public health organizations have written to Governor Walz, explaining how the peacetime emergency has allowed them to protect Minnesotans and asking him to extend it. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 12, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 10, 2020

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June 10, 2020

Updates from the Governor

As Minnesota continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and grapple with needed police reform following George Floyd’s death, Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced that they will convene a special legislative session beginning Friday, June 12. The Governor and Lt. Governor’s priorities for special session are clear: We will pass police reform and accountability and build a stronger, more equitable economy.

“Minnesota is at a turning point. This is our chance to take strong action to combat persistent structural inequities, pass substantive police reform, and build a stronger economy,” said Governor Walz. “I look forward to working with the legislature to seize this moment and build a brighter future for Minnesotans.”

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan know that the best ideas come from community, and they are committed to working with the Legislature, the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, and community leaders to take strong action to combat persistent structural inequities, pass substantive police reform, and build a stronger, more vibrant economy for all Minnesotans – especially for those whose economic well-being and businesses have been hit hardest. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 10, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update

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Updates from the Governor

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is working to help Minnesotans safely get back to the sports they love. On Friday, Governor Walz announced a careful turn of the dial to allow for more activity, which included updated guidance for youth and adult sports.

According to MDH, different sports carry different risks of COVID-19. These depend on how close people are, whether they share equipment, and other factors as guided by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic organizations, NCAA, and others. Different risk levels mean different precautions. See guidance for youth and adult sports, including the full list of sports at Stay Safe Guidance for Organized Sports.

Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 7, 2020

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June 7, 2020

Updates from the Governor

As Minnesotans face an unprecedented challenge in COVID-19, there are financial, mental and physical health, and family resources available to help.

Testing: Minnesotans with COVID-19 symptoms are always encouraged to get a test. Locations in your community can be found here.

Safety at Home: Stay At Home should never mean you stay somewhere unsafe. There are places of sanctuary open for anyone facing abuse or violence. Please call Minnesota’s statewide crisis hotline – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 1.866.223.1111 or text 612.399.9995. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 7, 2020”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz loosening restrictions on restaurants, salons, gyms, pools June 10

Crowd capacity and social distancing restrictions will be in place in most venues

Gov. Tim Walz lifted more restrictions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and will allow for limited indoor dining, indoor entertainment at movie theaters and other venues, fitness club usage, and outdoor entertainment of up to 250 people.

The changes, which take effect on Wednesday, include the reopening of swimming pools. Restaurants, bars and salons will now be allowed to operate at 50% capacity and fitness centers can operate at 25% capacity with no more than 250 people.

“We believe we should be able to handle this,” Walz said. “We are going to make sure that we are not going to ask workers to go back into unsafe conditions.” Continue reading.

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 6, 2020

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June 6, 2020

Updates from the Governor

We know that Minnesota is fighting two viruses right now. One that appeared in our state just months ago, and one that has existed for generations. Governor Walz spent the week responding to COVID-19 and charting a path forward, in partnership with communities that have been impacted by systemic racism, after the death of George Floyd. Below is a recap of major announcements and decisions of the previous week.

Week in Review

On Monday, June 1 Governor Walz modified and extended the Minneapolis-St. Paul nighttime curfew to provide safety for Minnesota residents, neighborhoods, businesses and communities. Throughout the week, the Governor’s office provided regular situation updates to Minnesotans and members of the press with the latest information on public safety.

On Tuesday, June 2 Governor Walz announced the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will begin an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after filing a civil rights charge related to the death of George Floyd. This investigation into policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years will determine if the MPD has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color and ensure any such practices are stopped. Minnesotans with information that can further the investigation into the MPD should contact the Department of Human Rights at mn.gov/mdhr or 651-539-1100. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 6, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 5, 2020

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June 5, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz made two major announcements regarding COVID-19 and systemic discrimination in Minnesota.

Turning of the Dial on COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to present an unprecedented challenge to our state. When our first cases started to appear in Minnesota, we weren’t ready to fight this virus. We needed time, and we asked Minnesotans to stay home so we could prepare. With the capacity that we built while Minnesotans stayed home, we can chart a new way forward. We can take a measured, Minnesota approach that protects public health and improves economic stability.

That’s why today the Governor announced a turning of the dial to open up more of society across the state. Starting Wednesday, June 10, people will be able to head inside to restaurants and bars. Gyms and fitness studios can resume operations. Pools will be open across the state. But all of that will require safe social distancing, strict capacity limits, and wearing masks. Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan: Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 5, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 3, 2020

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June 3, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Attorney General Keith Ellison today announced that he has charged all four officers involved in George Floyd’s death, and announced that he has increased the charge against former officer Derek Chauvin to second degree murder. Governor Walz released the following statement:

“I laid flowers at George Floyd’s memorial this morning. As a former high school history teacher, I looked up at the mural of George’s face painted above and I reflected on what his death will mean for future generations. What will our young people learn about this moment? Will his death be just another blip in a textbook? Or will it go down in history as when our country turned toward justice and change?”

“It’s on each of us to determine that answer.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 3, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 2, 2020

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Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will begin an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after filing a civil rights charge related to the death of George Floyd. This investigation into policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years will determine if the MPD has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color and ensure any such practices are stopped. Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero will lead the investigation.

This important action against an police department will allow the Department of Human Rights to take swift action in response to any determination of civil rights violations.

“Minnesotans can expect our administration to use every tool at our disposal to deconstruct generations of systemic racism in our state,” said Governor Tim Walz. “As we move forward, we ask the community to watch what we do, not what we say. It is going to take action at all levels, from the neighborhood on up, to get the change we need to see. This effort is only one of many steps to come in our effort to restore trust with those in the community who have been unseen and unheard for far too long.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 2, 2020”