Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 18, 2020


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July 18, 2020


Updates from the Governor

This week, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan continued to work toward an agreement with the House and Senate on police accountability and reform and passing a strong Local Jobs and Projects bill focused on public safety, water infrastructure, housing and higher education that meets the needs of Minnesotans across the state.

Today, the Governor directed Minnesota flags to fly at half staff to honor Civil Rights leader and Congressman John Lewis. Below is a recap of the Walz-Flanagan administration’s actions this week.

Week in Review

strong>On Monday, July 13 following the advice of public health experts, Governor Walz extended the COVID-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to critical issues stemming from COVID-19, including increasing testing, acquiring PPE, and providing economic relief to Minnesota families. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 18, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 15, 2020


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July 15, 2020


Updates from the Governor

The Minnesota Department of Health continues to encourage Minnesotans to get tested for COVID-19if they feel sick – it’s one of the best tools we have to help contain the spread of the virus. And it’s important that testing is accessible to Minnesotans with and without insurance. Today, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced a new health care option that will cover testing for individuals who do not have insurance. Information can be found on their website here. The site also has information about programs to help Minnesotans having a hard time paying their health care bills during the pandemic.

Child Care Support
Starting today, Minnesota child care providers can apply for funding announced by Governor Walz last week. Approximately 7,000 Minnesota child care providers will be eligible for $56.6 million in funds to help  ensure children’s and staff’s health and safety in their child care settings during COVID-19. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 23. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 15, 2020”

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


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July 13, 2020


Updates from the Governor

Following the advice of public health experts, Governor Tim Walz today extended the COVID-19 peacetime emergency that gives the state flexibility in responding to critical issues stemming from COVID-19.

COVID-19 continues to present an unprecedented and rapidly evolving challenge to our state. The peacetime emergency has provided us tools to save lives and mitigate the impacts of this pandemic. And we are not alone – 49 out of 50 states currently have a peacetime emergency in place.

Since the Governor declared a peacetime emergency, Minnesota has taken strong steps to respond to and provide relief for COVID-19 by enhancing protections for veterans in our veterans homes, activating the National Guard to assist in relief efforts, partnering with Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota to launch a statewide testing strategy to test all symptomatic people, and providing economic relief and stability to those impacted by the pandemic. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 13, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 14, 2020


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July 14, 2020


Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan know that communities across the state are struggling with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For some Minnesotans, a lost job or unexpected expenses have put their housing at risk.

That’s why today, at West Broadway Crescent Apartments, the Governor and Lt. Governor announced a $100 million housing assistance program to help prevent evictions, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for individuals and families impacted by COVID-19. The $100 million investment will be funded with federal dollars through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was authorized by the CARES Act.

The Walz-Flanagan Administration has been working to combat homelessness and housing instability long before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Administration has been working with communities to provide funding for outreach, shelter, and critical services. When the COVID-19 pandemic began in Minnesota, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor fought for state appropriations and provided more than $26 million to help shelters and street outreach workers give Minnesotans a safe place to go, creating more than 2,100 additional safe spaces statewide. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 14, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 12, 2020


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July 12, 2020


Updates from the Governor

Minnesotans are facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. 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. 

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: July 12, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 11, 2020


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July 11, 2020


Updates from the Governor

This week, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan visited child care centers, a food bank, and a cultural mall to hear from communities impacted by COVID-19 and highlight resources available to help. Below is a recap of their actions this week.

Week in Review

On Monday, July 6 To bring consistency and safety to traffic stops, the Department of Public Safety announced 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. View the new language starting on page 40 of the Minnesota Driver’s Manual.

On Tuesday, July 7 Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan visited child care centers to announce $56.6 million to help support Minnesota child care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families seeking care can call the Child Care Aware parent line at 1.888.291.9811 or visit mn.gov/childcare for a map of open providers. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 11, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 9, 2020


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July 9, 2020


Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited the Village Market in Minneapolis today to highlight a $2.5 million program to support cultural malls impacted by COVID-19 and encourage operators to apply for relief by 5pm tomorrow, July 10. The Governor signed the funding into law on June 16 as part of a $62.5 million package to support small businesses.




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The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) today released the results of a survey asking Minnesota families about their experience with distance learning and their thoughts on the upcoming school year. They received over 130,000 responses, which showed that 64% of respondents selected that they would feel comfortable sending their students back to school. This survey is just one of MDE’s many public engagement efforts to seek feedback from students, families, educators, and school staff on the distance learning experience this spring before making an announcement on the upcoming school year later this month. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 9, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 8, 2020


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July 8, 2020


Updates from the Governor

At the Department of Indian Work food shelf today, Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan announced $12 million to combat hunger in Minnesotan amid COVID-19. This funding will support approximately 300 food shelves and all seven food banks across Minnesota.

Approximately 300 thousand Minnesotans have visited food shelves each month since the pandemic began, representing approximately a 30 percent increase over typical visits. The $12 million in emergency support for food shelves, food banks, and other emergency food efforts across the state will help meet this unprecedented demand. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 8, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Update: July 7, 2020


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July 7, 2020


Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan announced $56.6 million to help support Minnesota child care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Walz announced the funding this morning at the Learning Garden in St. Paul and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan highlighted the funding with a visit to a family child care provider in Rochester.

“Child care providers have stepped up to serve emergency workers and ensure families across Minnesota have a safe and reliable place to send their children,” said Governor Walz. “We will continue to support the critical work they do to educate our next generation, support families, and strengthen our economy.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Update: July 7, 2020”

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”