Tag: Tim Walz

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 7, 2020

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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”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 6, 2020

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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”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 5, 2020

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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”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 4, 2020

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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.

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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”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 3, 2020

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August 3, 2020

Updates from the Governor

This afternoon Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan visited Lake Street businesses that were impacted by the civil unrest earlier this summer. The Governor announced that he has requested a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration that would free up low-interest loans to help property owners rebuild after civil unrest caused extensive property damage in the wake of George Floyd’s death. The Governor has spent the last months listening to business and home owners following the civil unrest.

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Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: August 3, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 31, 2020

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July 31, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today announced more than 1 million COVID-19 tests have been administered in Minnesota since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Widespread testing and notifying people in close contact with anyone who tests positive is one of the best ways to prevent COVID-19 cases from spreading. It also is a key metric in determining when it is safe to loosen restrictions on stores, restaurants, and other businesses.

In order to expand the state’s ability to mitigate this disease, additional testing sites and laboratory capacity are being created to meet growing demand. For the latest information on how to receive a COVID-19 test, visit mn.gov/covid19 Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 31, 2020”

‘Localized’ Minnesota school plan sets thresholds for reopening

Walz’s order allows online, hybrid or in-person classes

Minnesota school districts will be granted flexibility in their reopening decisions this fall, depending on the spread of COVID-19 in their communities and their ability to meet a long list of health and safety standards in school buildings.

In his “Safe Learning Plan” released Thursday, Gov. Tim Walz said state officials are taking a “localized, data-driven approach” to reopening schools amid the global pandemic, with a goal of getting students back in the classroom while minimizing the spread of the virus. That means schools that meet particular thresholds could get clearance to reopen full or part time, while those in COVID-19 hot spots may have to start the school year at home, with distance learning.

The plan outlines a year in which schools that are able — and choose — to open will need to maintain strict cleaning procedures, make accommodations for physical distancing, enforce near-universal mask wearing and quickly pivot in the event of a school or community COVID-19 outbreak. Continue reading.

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

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July 30, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, along with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), announced Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan for the 2020-21 School Year.

School districts and charter schools will begin in one of three models: in-person, distance learning, or a hybrid model. Experts at the Departments of Health and Education will partner with local school districts and charter schools to help determine which learning model they should use to start the school year. The decision-making process centers on the health, safety, and wellbeing of our students, staff, and families by using the level of viral activity in the surrounding county and other factors such as the district’s ability to meet mitigation requirements. The learning model decision will be announced by the local school district.

“As a classroom teacher for more than 20 years and a parent of a child in public schools, I am committed to providing a world-class education to our students while keeping them and their teachers safe,” said Governor Walz. “With this approach, we are pairing the knowledge and data from our Departments of Health and Education with the expertise of our local school districts to make the best decisions for our students across the state.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 30, 2020”

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

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July 29, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today at Liberty Packaging, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan highlighted the state’s distribution of more than 4 million masks to businesses, their customers, and people who are unable to afford a mask or easily obtain one. The masks are being distributed to Chambers of Commerce, community organizations, and other providers across the state, who are then responsible for distributing to people.

The one-time allotment of masks includes 4 million disposable masks for businesses and more than 300,000 cloth masks for at-risk communities that will go to will go to community organizations, food banks, area agencies on aging, and affordable housing providers. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 29, 2020”

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

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July 27, 2020

Updates from the Governor

COVID-19 has reached every county in Minnesota. As the virus continues to spread, the Department of Health encourages Minnesotans to continue following public health guidance by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, frequently washing hands, and staying home when sick. Even if you do not have symptoms, you can spread the virus to others.

Also today, the Department of Human Services is encouraging Minnesotans who participate in food and cash assistance programs to renew their applications when they receive a notice in the mail. Minnesotans who receive SNAP, Minnesota Family Investment Program, General Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid or Housing Support benefits and have reached the end of their certification period any time from March through August will soon receive a written notice in the mail to renew the application.

More than 20,000 food and cash benefit recipients must renew their applications in August to ensure they continue to receive their benefits. Participants with questions about their case can contact their county or tribal human services office. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 27, 2020”