Tag: Lt. Gov. Flanagan

Gov. Wa.z and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 6, 2020

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July 6, 2020

Updates from the Governor

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced that they have updated the Minnesota Driver’s Manual to include information on what drivers and law enforcement should expect during a traffic stop, particularly when a driver has a firearm.

Valerie Castile advocated for the addition to the manual to encourage consistency in traffic stops by law enforcement and ensure that drivers know what to expect. Castile’s son, Philando, died four years ago today after a Falcon Heights police officer shot him during a traffic stop. Philando Castile informed the officer that he was legally carrying a firearm.

DPS Commissioner John Harrington said being stopped by a law enforcement officer can be a stressful experience. However, knowing what to do during the interaction will help to ensure a safe interaction for all involved. Continue reading “Gov. Wa.z and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 6, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Update: June 2, 2020

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July 2, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Minnesota families have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Governor Tim Walz, and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced a commitment by 31 Minnesota financial institutions to provide mortgage-relief options to customers facing financial hardship caused by COVID-19 for homeowners not covered by the CARES Act. This initiative will provide flexibility to Minnesotans who need help affording their mortgage payments during this unprecedented time.

Under this framework, participating financial institutions have agreed to offer the following relief options:

  • 90-day forbearance period for customers facing financial hardship caused by COVID-19 Participating financial institutions will offer mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days to single- or multi-family mortgage customers directly impacted by COVID-19. The framework went into effect yesterday, July 1, 2020, so qualifying customers can begin applying for forbearance immediately.
  • Customers accessing forbearance will not be required to make a lump-sum payment at the end of forbearance plan Participating financial institutions will not require single-family customers who qualify for forbearance under this framework to make a lump-sum payment at the end of the forbearance plan. Instead these institutions will work with borrowers on repayment options, which may include:
    • Allowing customers to add the reduced or missed payments over the lifetime of their loans; or
    • Extending the maturity of the loan to make up for the missed payments.
  • No late fees or negative credit reporting for customers in a forbearance plan For single-family customers who are in an active forbearance plan under this framework, the participating financial institutions will:
    • Freeze all mortgage-related late fees for missed payments; and
    • Not report late or missed payments with credit reporting agencies.

More information is available here.

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan wish Minnesotans a happy and safe Fourth of July this weekend. We know our celebrations will look a little different this year. And as COVID-19 cases surge in many states, we must take steps to protect our neighbors and loved ones. That’s why we are encouraging Minnesotans to wear a mask this holiday weekend. It is one of the simplest ways you can support local businesses and keep yourselves and others safe.

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Everyone can work to reduce the spread of COVID-19

  • Wear masks when in public. 10-50% of virus carriers are asymptomatic wearing masks helps control the virus and has been shown to lower COVID-19 spread.
  • Avoid enclosed spaces with groups of people, where the virus can linger in the air for long periods of time.
  • Get tested if you have cold or flu-like symptoms – Find testing locations.
  • Stay six feet away from others.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or sleeve, or a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterwards.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth – with unwashed hands.
  • Up-to-date guidance is available from the Department of Health.

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Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 1, 2020

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July 1, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and insulin affordability advocates celebrated the launch of the Minnesota Insulin Safety Net Program. The program, created by the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, allows Minnesotans in urgent need of insulin to access the life-saving drug through their pharmacy.

For far too long, sky-rocketing costs have priced too many Minnesotans out of the medicine that they need to live. Thanks to the legislators and advocates who fought for years against great odds, Minnesotans in urgent need of insulin now have peace of mind knowing they can apply for the Insulin Safety Net Program. This program ensures that no Minnesotan will ever have to choose between the medicine they need to live, food on the table, or a place to call home. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 1, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 29, 2020

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June 29, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced that, thanks to the collaborative partnership between the Walz-Flanagan Administration, the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota (U of M) the state has completed more than half a million COVID-19 tests and has reached the milestone of developing a daily capacity of 20,000 COVID-19 tests.

As part of the state’s testing command center, the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota (U of M) are now able to provide additional testing capacity to more than 265 health care organizations across the state. When health care providers need more testing capacity than they have available at their local laboratories, or an outbreak emerges, the state initiative’s testing command center connects the provider with COVID-10 diagnostic testing through Mayo Clinic Laboratories or U of M labs. The state has deployed this resource for numerous pop-up testing events, including Duluth, Moorhead, St. James, and Faribault, as well as in Mower County and in Minneapolis and Saint Paul following protests and large gatherings in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 29, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 28, 2020

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June 28, 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. Find a testing location in your community. 

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 Update: June 28, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 27, 2020

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June 27, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Below is a summary of the actions Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan took this week to support public health, small businesses, child care providers, students, and Minnesota families struggling with the economic and health impacts of COVID-19.

Week in Review

On Monday, June 22 After offering free COVID-19 testing in Austin over the weekend in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Mower County, Governor Walz and the Department of Health continued to encourage all Minnesotans to get tested for the virus if they have symptoms.

On Tuesday, June 23 Governor Walz announced the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is accepting applications for a total of 10 days for the $62.5 million Small Business Relief Grants Program for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Governor Walz also signed six bills into law, including measures to increase reimbursement rates for child care providers, prohibit schools from suspending prekindergarten students, increase vaping prevention instruction, and require all teachers to have annual mental health training. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 27, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 26, 2020

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June 26, 2020

Updates from the Governor

As the state sees rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in young people, the Department of Health (MDH) today emphasized the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing for younger people who may not feel they are personally at a high risk, because they can still spread the virus to people who have underlying health conditions. MDH identified several bars that have been the source of a large number of infections, including the Rounders and the 507 bars in Mankato, and the Kollege Klub and Cowboy Jack’s in Dinkytown. They recommend people who have recently visited those bars to monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested.

Community Resources
If you have kids aged 5-18, you may be eligible for programs to help you pay for food, even if you do not receive SNAP benefits. Learn more and apply.

Covid-19 has a disproportionate impact on Native communities. This Saturday, the Native American Community Clinic will offer free testing at Harding High School in St. Paul from noon to 4 pm. It is open to everyone, and no symptoms, insurance, or payment are needed. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 26, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 23, 2020

June 23, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today announced the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is now accepting applications for the $62.5 million Small Business Relief Grants Program for businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Eligible businesses with 50 or fewer employees may apply for grants of up to $10,000. The application period will be open for 10 days, the maximum time allowed by the law, and will close at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. A randomized, computer-generated lottery process will be used – in consultation with the Minnesota Lottery and observed by an independent third party – to select eligible businesses that will receive funding.

Governor Walz today also signed six bills into law, including measures to increase reimbursement rates for child care providers, prohibit schools from suspending prekindergarten students, increase vaping prevention instruction, and require all teachers to have annual mental health training. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 23, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 22, 2020

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June 22, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Over the weekend, state and local health officials offered free COVID-19 testing in Austin. Responding to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Mower County, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) partnered with Mower County officials to offer community testing to anyone who wanted to be tested. Governor Walz and MDH continue to encourage all Minnesotans to get tested for the virus if they have symptoms. Below is a list of additional resources available to help Minnesotans through the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19.

Testing: Minnesotans with COVID-19 symptoms are always encouraged to get a test. Find a testing location in your community. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 22, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 21, 2020

June 21, 2020

Updates from the Governor

The Governor and Lt. Governor continue to lead Minnesota through the COVID-19 pandemic and are ready to continue their work to enact police accountability and reform and build a stronger, more equitable economy. Below is a summary of their actions this week.

Week in Review

On Monday, June 15 Governor Walz traveled to Duluth to visit the Clayton-Jackson-McGhie memorial on the 100th anniversary of their deaths. On June 15, 1920, Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie, three Black men, were wrongfully accused of a crime, violently removed from the Duluth city jail by an estimated mob of 10,000, and brutally hanged from a lamp post on a city street. The Governor formally recognized their deaths with a proclamation to commemorate the tragic and often untold chapter in our state’s history.

On Tuesday, June 16 The Governor and Lt. Governor highlighted their Local Jobs and Projects Plan to jumpstart Minnesota’s economy and complete critical infrastructure projects across the state. The Governor also signed a bipartisan bill that will support Minnesota’s economic recovery by providing $62.5 million in grants for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, with a focus on Black, Brown, Indigenous, veteran, female, and Greater Minnesota business owners. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 21, 2020”