SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced a set of policy proposals that will lead Minnesota to 100 percent clean energy in the state’s electricity sector by 2040. The policies build on the success that Minnesota has already achieved in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the use of clean energy resources to power the state while ensuring reliable, affordable electricity.
“The time to fight climate change is now,” said Governor Walz. “Not only is clean energy the right and responsible choice for future generations, clean energy maximizes job creation and grows our economy, which is especially important as we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud to announce a set of policy proposals that will lead Minnesota to 100% clean energy in the state’s electricity sector by 2040. Minnesotans have the ingenuity and innovation needed to power this future, and we are ready to pioneer the green energy economy.”
“We must take immediate action to protect our earth for future generations,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Burning fossil fuels pollutes our environment, permanently changes our climate for the worse, and wastes money on inefficient and outdated practices. This plan sets a clear path and destination for Minnesota’s clean energy future. Minnesota should be a state that continues to lead on the clean energy economy, and we know we can.”
This week, in the wake of last week’s events in Washington D.C., Governor Walz visited American history monuments across Minnesota to call for calm, civility, and peace. At the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, a Civil War Memorial in Wasioja, and a Vietnam War Memorial in Duluth, Governor Walz encouraged Minnesotans to reflect on the greater context that led to this dark moment in history.
As our nation works to hold those who incited last week’s violence accountable, Governor Walz urged Minnesotans to reflect on how divisive rhetoric undermined our democratic institutions over time and called on Minnesotans to come together to restore democracy for all.
On Wednesday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan released statements responding to the attempted insurrection at the United States Capitol.
“I see the events unfolding in our nation’s capital today not just as a Governor, but as a former high school history teacher. The last time our nation’s capital was under siege was more than 200 years ago when our country was at war with the British,” said Governor Walz.
“Today, it wasn’t a foreign nation that seized the capitol building and attempted an insurrection. It was citizens of our own country, incited by our president and enabled by many political leaders, who made a direct assault on our democracy.”
Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Encourage High School Youth Impacted by COVID-19 to Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
On Monday, Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove facilitated a virtual roundtable discussion with high school youth to encourage student workers who have been laid off due to COVID-19 to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
High school students who’ve lost their job due to COVID can apply for unemployment at uimn.org.
On Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz joined the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to provide updates on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Minnesota.
On Monday, December 18, the first COVID-19 vaccine shipments arrived in Minnesota. Governor Walz visited the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center to greet the very first shipment’s arrival. On Tuesday, December 19, the Governor returned to the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center to applaud as the Minneapolis VA administered their first vaccine to nurse Thera Witte. In the past week, almost 3,000 frontline health care workers have been vaccinated for COVID-19.
On Monday, the first COVID-19 vaccine shipments arrived in Minnesota. Governor Walz visited the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center to greet the very first shipment’s arrival. On Tuesday, the Governor returned to the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center to applaud as the Minneapolis VA administered their first vaccine to nurse Thera Witte.
“This is an exciting day for Minnesota,” said Governor Tim Walz. “The first vaccines are here. They are safe, and they will be ready to go soon. The sun is coming up, Minnesota”
“With these first shipments, we will soon begin vaccinating thousands of health care workers and the most critically at-risk Minnesotans,” Governor Walz continued. “All Minnesotans will have the opportunity to receive the vaccine in time, but until then, we need to stay safe and keep up the fight.”
As hospitals remain concerned about capacity, Governor Walz announced a plan to continue combatting community spread of COVID-19 while getting students back in the classroom and supporting Minnesotans’ quality of life. Following the announcement, the Governor signed into law a $216 million economic relief package to support small businesses and workers impacted by the pandemic.
“Thesun is rising across Minnesota. Vaccines have arrived and the light at the end of the tunnel is much brighter today than it was at the beginning of this four-week dial back,” Governor Walz said. “There is strong evidence we are starting to turn a corner thanks to the hard work of Minnesotans over the last few weeks to keep each other safe. But we aren’t out of the woods yet. This way forward will help bridge the gap to vaccination by continuing to protect hospital capacity while prioritizing getting our kids back in the classroom and supporting Minnesotans’ quality of life.”
Kids being in school is an important public health priority. Schools play a critical role in the health, well-being, and education of Minnesota’s children. Based on Minnesota’s evolving understanding of the virus, young kids are believed to be less susceptible to serious complications from COVID-19. The state has also learned more about how to reduce the potential for spread in schools from success in other settings. Today the Governor updated the Safe Learning Plan so that starting on January 18, 2021, every elementary school across the state may choose to operate in an in-person learning model as long as they are able to implement additional mitigation strategies, which include providing and requiring staff to wear a face shield and mask and offering regular testing.
More information on these restrictions and the state response is available here.
Governor Walz Signs $216 Million Small Business Relief Package Into Law
On Wednesday, Governor Walz signed into law the bipartisan $216 million economic relief package that includes direct support for small businesses and a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits.
“Our small businesses have made enormous sacrifices to their own bottom lines for the good of our state. This is a critical lifeline for those businesses, and for the Minnesotans whose livelihoods depend on them,” said Governor Walz. “This bipartisan bill will provide direct, targeted aid to keep our small businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help families put food on the table while we work to get the virus under control.”
The bill includes $88 million in direct payments to restaurants, bars, and gyms; $14 million for convention centers and movie theaters; and $114.8 million for local economically significant businesses and organizations, including non-profits, that will be distributed by counties.
Minnesota is Ready for COVID-19 Vaccine
Last week, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota is ready to receive and distribute a vaccine effectively, safely, and equitably.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Walz has been committed to transparency and accountability, bringing Minnesotans along with him every step of the way as we learn how best to weather this storm. And the vaccine distribution plan distribution plan is no different.
The Governor outlined the three principles that will guide our distribution of the vaccine:
Immunize for impact: Maximize immediate health benefit, reduce death, and minimize the harm created by COVID-19 by starting with those most susceptible to serious complications and those who care for them.
Equitable distribution and access: Make sure no procedural or structural issues impact access to the vaccine among any particular group or population. And we want Minnesotans in every corner and every community to know they can trust the process, the safety, and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Transparency: Share information as quickly as possible with Minnesotans.
The process for distributing the vaccine is complex and is led by the federal government. To get the vaccine to Minnesotans:
The federal government will:
Regulate vaccine development and approve those that are safe and effective.
Work with vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer and Moderna to procure vaccines.
Tell states how much vaccine they get and when.
Convene a committee of experts that helps prioritize who gets the vaccine in each phase.
Ship the vaccine to Minnesota.
The State of Minnesota will:
Work with hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, tribal health, and local public health to get the vaccine out to Minnesotans.
More information on the state’s vaccine distribution plan is available here.
Walz-Flanagan Administration Announce Nearly $200 Million to Increase Access to Affordable Housing Across Minnesota
Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Leimaile Ho announced in an online presentation today that the Minnesota Housing board of directors approved staff recommendations of $195 million to create and preserve 2,387 homes throughout the state, including rental units and single-family homes.
“Every Minnesotan deserves access to affordable housing,” said Governor Walz. “That has never been clearer than this year as we seek stable places to live, raise families, and shelter from the virus. We must increase affordable housing options for Minnesotans across the state, and today’s announcement is a critical step toward making that a reality.”
“Minnesota Housing’s 2020 selections and advancements chart the future of the state’s housing investments with equity at the center,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Housing is health. It’s the foundation for success, a safe place to be, and a springboard for opportunity. Every Minnesotan deserves housing that is affordable and fits their needs.”
United States flag at half mast, seen from below with the sun behind
Governor Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 19. He has directed flags to fly at half-staff on the 19th of every month through 2020 to remember, mourn, and honor lives lost due to COVID-19.
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Minnesotans who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and their families.
On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota is ready to receive and distribute a vaccine effectively, safely, and equitably at the moment it is made available to states.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Walz has been committed to transparency and accountability, bringing Minnesotans along with him every step of the way as we learn how best to weather this storm. And the vaccine distribution plan distribution plan is no different.
“There are a number of factors outside of our state government control when it comes to getting the vaccine to Minnesotans, including the federal government’s national guidelines on distribution and the supply of the vaccine,” said Governor Walz. “But in Minnesota, we are ready for the vaccine at the moment it becomes available. Our infrastructure is set and our plans are ready to execute. Until then, we need to stay patient, remain hopeful, and keep up the fight.”
On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced a COVID-19 economic relief package to keep businesses afloat, support workers struggling to get by, and help Minnesota families keep food on the table. Governor Walz will work with legislators on both sides of the aisle to move forward this much-needed proposal, integrate additional proposals, and call a special session when an agreement is final.
Throughout this pandemic, the Walz-Flanagan Administration has followed the data on who, when, and where the virus is spreading. Now, that data is moving rapidly and so must Minnesota. As cases skyrocket, the “who” is all of us. The “when” is all the time. And the “where” is what we’re focusing on now.
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.
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 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.
