Tag: Lt. Gov. Flanagan

August 13, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota has been recognized by the National Governors Association and Results for America for its use of evidence and data to improve results for Minnesotans. 

Results for America, a national nonprofit focused on helping government leaders improve results by investing in what works, released the 2020 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence, which showcases 169 examples of data-driven and evidence-based practices, policies, programs, and systems in 35 states across the country. Minnesota was recognized as a Leading State.

“As we face a global pandemic, it has never been more important to ground our public policies in evidence and invest in proven public programs,” said Governor Walz. “We are pleased to see our commitment to data-driven policies reflected in our recognition as a leading state in Results for America’s 2020 State Standard of Excellence.” 

August 12, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Republicans in the Senate staged an attack on workers and employers in Minnesota by removing Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Nancy Leppink. 

Commissioner Leppink is the leader the state needs, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. She is a champion for the health and safety of our state’s workers—especially our most vulnerable and essential workers, who are keeping our state moving forward during this pandemic. And in turn, Commissioner Leppink fully understands the challenges our state’s employers are facing during this pandemic, and she continuously helps employers comply with the requirements of the law and do right by their employees. This is a brazen attack by Minnesota Senate Republicans on the safety of working Minnesotans at a time when they it most.

“Nancy Leppink is a champion for working Minnesotans and business owners,” said Governor Walz. “She is a consensus builder who has a proven track record of finding solutions among workers, employers, and government. She is respected by the workers that she fights for and by the businesses who want to do right by their employees.”

August 11, 2020

Updates from the Governor

As Minnesota continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are facing unprecedented challenges due to the economic and public health consequences. Below is a list of financial, mental and physical health, and family resources available for support. 

Testing: Minnesotans with COVID-19 symptoms are always encouraged to get a test. Find a testing location in your community. 

August 10, 2020

Updates from the Governor

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today released new visitation guidance to support long-term care facilities’ efforts to balance the need to protect residents with ensuring healthy social and emotional connections with family and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective on August 29, this guidance creates a cautious and measured process long-term care facilities can use to determine the most appropriate visitation policy to protect their residents and staff. The guidance is available at Long-term Care: COVID-19. MDH and partners developed the guidance with the recognition that COVID-19 will remain a challenge for many more months.

In early May, Governor Walz also announced a five-point plan, which has helped protect Minnesota’s long-term care residents and workers amid COVID-19. The plan included expanded testing, screening, and monitoring in long-term care facilities; increased personal protective equipment; increased staffing support; and partnering with local public health officials to coordinate support and on-site technical assistance. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 10, 2020”

August 7, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Governor Tim Walz today announced that he will convene a special legislative session beginning on August 12, 2020. Governor Walz intends to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days to ensure the state can continue to quickly and effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also today, Governor Tim Walz appealed the decision by the federal government to deny a federal disaster declaration to help Minnesota rebuild after civil unrest damaged public infrastructure and caused extensive fire damage in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

Under the Stafford Act, fires to public infrastructure, regardless of cause, are eligible for reimbursement. Minneapolis sustained extensive fire damage to public infrastructure caused by civil unrest at the end of May. A preliminary damage assessment found more than $15 million of eligible damages directly related to the fires. Federal assistance would reimburse local governments for 75 percent of eligible costs related to debris removal, emergency protective measures, and damage to public buildings and equipment. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 7, 2020”

August 6, 2020

Updates from the Governor

With the expiration of the $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit, Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan today visited the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties (CAP-RW) to highlight state benefits and assistance programs that remain available to Minnesotans.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: If Washington won’t lead, Minnesota will,” said Governor Tim Walz. “While Congress continues to hammer out a deal to extend assistance to those financially impacted by COVID-19, the State of Minnesota is offering a range of emergency assistance that have already helped thousands of Minnesotans.”

“We have said from the beginning that COVID-19 will fall hardest on Minnesotans who are already in crisis,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Every Minnesotan deserves a roof over their head, food on the table, and the resources they need to thrive. But we know there are thousands of Minnesotans who have never interacted with unemployment insurance or the myriad of services offered by the state to help make ends meet. During this incredibly challenging time, it’s our job to highlight the support that is available and to help folks access that support.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 6, 2020”

August 5, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today announced that Minnesota businesses damaged in the civil unrest following the death of George Floyd can apply for disaster assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This approval follows a letter the Governor sent to the SBA requesting that Minnesota businesses be eligible for this assistance.

Also today, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) launched an innovative pilot grant project for electric school buses that will support cleaner vehicle technology and reduce harmful air pollution. The program is another step toward achieving Minnesota’s goal of reducing GHG emissions by 80% by 2050. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 5, 2020”

August 4, 2020

Updates from the Governor

This afternoon Governor Walz visited the Central Minnesota Council on Aging to highlight the availability of nearly 400,000 masks for Minnesotans who can’t afford or easily obtain one.

The masks went to 142 community organizations across the state: food banks and food shelves, supportive housing, area agencies on aging, shelters, organizations serving refugees and immigrants, human services organizations, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color organizations across the state of Minnesota. This one-time allotment will allow organizations and providers the ability to distribute masks to those they serve. Last week the Governor also announced that the state would provide nearly 4 million masks to support businesses and their customers as Minnesotans adjust to the statewide mask requirement.

Also today, the Governor visited the Mill Creek Dairy in Stearns County to discuss their conservation practices and other issues facing the agricultural industry.

Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 4, 2020”