Tag: Gov. Walz

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: November 13, 2020

As Hospitals Express Capacity Concerns, Governor Walz Announces New COVID-19 Restrictions

Since the beginning of this pandemic, the Walz-Flanagan Administration has followed the best data available to protect Minnesotans from the spread of COVID-19. That’s why this week Governor Walz announced targeted, science-based changes to get the spread of the virus under control so we can care for those who fall ill, get kids in the classroom, and keep businesses open.

The Walz-Flanagan Administration, with guidance from the White House, has spent countless hours analyzing testing results and contract tracing data to understand  by who, when, and where this virus is moving around our state.

They found that 18-35 year olds make up a disproportionate number of cases and that over 70% of outbreaks from the last 6 months have a direct link back to weddings, private social gatherings, and late nights at bars and restaurants. These events get riskier the later it gets.

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What you need to know about Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions

The governor has implemented everything from mask mandates to caps on gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Since March, Gov. Tim Walz has issued sweeping executive orders to slow the spread of coronavirus in the state, from business and school closures to a statewide mask mandate required in public indoor spaces and businesses in Minnesota. 

The governor has started to slowly ease restrictions on businesses, schools and Minnesotans’ movements during the public health crisis, but he’s not yet ordered a full reopening of the state. (This FAQ was updated Nov. 10.)

What does Walz’s order say?

The governor let his stay-at-home order — which went into effect on March 28 — expire on May 18. That original order directed Minnesotans to stay home except for essential needs and services or if they worked in critical sectors. 

Walz calls for early bar closures, reduced group gatherings to curb COVID-19 spread

Restaurants, bars to bear brunt of state’s changes with earlier closing times. 

Responding Tuesday to the surging COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tim Walz announced dial-back measures that close bars and restaurants at 10 p.m. and restrict the sizes of wedding and funeral receptions, as well as indoor and outdoor gatherings.

“We turned our dials [forward]; we are going to have to turn them back a bit today,” Walz said during an afternoon news conference.

The move comes as the growing pandemic is putting pressure on hospital bed capacity, with only 22 intensive care beds available in the metro area. Continue reading.

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.

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Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: October 30, 2020

Governors Walz, Dayton, Pawlenty, Ventura Launch Nonpartisan PSA Calling for Civility around Election

On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz (D) and former Minnesota Governors Mark Dayton (D), Tim Pawlenty (R) and Jesse Ventura (I) launched a nonpartisan Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign calling for civility and decency around the upcoming election. In the PSA, the nonpartisan group of Governors encourage Minnesotans to vote, express confidence in Minnesota’s safe and secure voting system, and explain why results may not be final on Election Night. 

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Walz calls on Minnesotans to hold the line on COVID-19

People letting their guard down, aiding the virus’ spread, officials say. 

Gov. Tim Walz urged Minnesotans to stick with mask-wearing and social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 after conferring with a top White House official over the weekend and looking at troubling infection growth rates in bordering states.

“The next six to 12 weeks are going to be critical in this fight on COVID,” Walz said Monday at a news conference.

Walz and state health officials struck perhaps their most concerning tone in weeks regarding the pandemic — with several meaningful metrics of the spread of the novel coronavirus going in the wrong direction. Continue reading.

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Weekly Update: October 23, 2020

Governor Walz Signs Local Jobs and Projects Plan Into Law
Bonding Bill

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.”

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs $1.9 billion public works bill

The governor highlighted job creation as he signed the measure. 

Gov. Tim Walz signed a $1.9 billion public works infrastructure package into law Wednesday, touting the jobs it will add as a growing number of Minnesotans have given up on looking for work amid the pandemic.

“The ability to create jobs, get them in the pipeline and be able to build is going to be absolutely critical for keeping these folks employed and keeping the state moving forward,” Walz said as he signed the bill at the Ironworkers Union Local 512 training center in St. Paul.

The measure included historic levels of state-backed borrowing for public projects, known as bonding, as well as additional state-agency spending and a tax break to help farmers and small businesses when they buy equipment. Continue reading.

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Weekly Update: October 16, 2020

Governor Walz Weekly Briefing

Walz, Flanagan Applaud Bipartisan Passage of Bonding Bill

bonding

Thursday, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan applauded the bipartisan passage of the bonding bill. “This bonding bill is a smart investment that will create thousands of good-paying jobs, deliver improvements to local projects throughout Minnesota, and make our state a better place to live,” said Governor Walz. “It’s been a long journey. By finally coming together and working across the aisle, Minnesota proved once again that if Washington won’t lead—we will.

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Gov. Walz. and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Weekly Update

Governor Walz Hears from Minnesotans Impacted by COVID-19

Walz

On Wednesday, Governor Walz facilitated a socially-distanced roundtable discussion with physicians, public health professionals, and Minnesotans impacted by COVID-19 to discuss the virus’s impact on Minnesota and steps people can take to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce State Investment in Mental Health Resources Amid COVID-19

Lt Gov

Thursday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced a $3 million investment in mental health services for children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The $3 million investment will be funded through the CARES Act. 

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan also visited St. David’s Center to highlight the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s commitment to prioritizing mental health for children and families during Mental Illness Awareness Week. 

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