Tag: Tim Walz

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

W

July 26, 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.

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 26, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 25, 2020

W

July 25, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Beginning today, Minnesotans are required to wear masks in indoor businesses and public spaces to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read FAQs on the mask requirement, which public health experts have advocated for, calling it a simple and effective step to keep Minnesotans safe. Below is an overview of the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s actions this week.

Week in Review

On Monday, July 20 the Department of Employment and Economic Development continued an ongoing effort to keep Minnesotans informed about state resources available for support, especially as families prepare for the potential expiration of the additional $600 federal Unemployment Insurance benefit. Minnesotans who need additional state and community services and resources should visit mn.gov/covid19/gethelp.

On Tuesday, July 21 Governor Walz announced that Minnesota continues to make progress on the five-point battle plan announced in May to limit and stop the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. Deaths have sharply declined from past weeks and data shows that efforts to identify and contain the spread of COVID-19 in various congregate care settings have been successful. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 25, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 24, 2020

W

July 24, 2020

Updates from the Governor

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that they have distributed small business emergency loans to 1,020 small businesses throughout Minnesota, helping them to survive the initial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan Program is part of a slate of emergency financing options for small Minnesota businesses. Other state options included the Small Business Loan Guarantee program and the Small Business Relief Grant program. State programs complement larger federal government programs, including Small Business Administration assistance, and the Paycheck Protection Program.

You can see a list of businesses that received a Minnesota Small Business Emergency Loan, as well as a breakout of loans by region and lender, on DEED’s website. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 24, 2020”

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

W

July 23, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today signed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act, authored by members of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, which will begin to address systemic inequities in Minnesota’s criminal justice system. The bill signing follows weeks of advocacy from Minnesotans across the state who have called for reform after the death of George Floyd.

“This bipartisan bill follows decades of advocacy by communities of color,” said Governor Walz. “And it is a good first step. These are long-overdue changes, but they do not end the conversation we’re having about police accountability. The POCI Caucus has shown tremendous leadership on this issue and I look forward to continuing our work with them to bring meaningful reform.”

“I am proud to stand with legislators who have put in hard work and long nights to get this police accountability and reform package across the finish line,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “There is more that we need to do to make sure that Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color feel safe and valued in their communities. This bipartisan bill is the start of building a public safety system that serves and protects all Minnesotans.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 23, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz mandates face masks indoors across Minnesota

The new rules take effect Saturday and apply to most indoor spaces outside people’s homes, as well as some outdoor venues where social distancing is difficult.

Gov. Tim Walz announced a statewide mandate Wednesday requiring Minnesotans to wear face masks in stores and indoor gathering places in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent a second surge of hospitalizations and deaths.

When the new rule takes effect Saturday, Minnesota will join roughly 30 states that have imposed similar mask-wearing requirements in the absence of any federal act and despite sharply polarized political views.

“If we can get a 90 to 95% compliance, which we’ve seen the science shows, we can reduce the infection rates dramatically, which slows that spread and breaks that chain,” Walz said. “This is the way, the cheapest, the most effective way for us to open up our businesses, for us to get our kids back in school, for us to keep our grandparents healthy and for us to get back that life that we all miss so much.” Continue reading.

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

W

July 22, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today announced that beginning on Saturday, Minnesotans will be required to wear a face covering in indoor businesses and indoor public settings. Researchers have advocated for masking, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To date, 30 states across the country, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico have issued similar mandates.

“COVID-19 has impacted every corner of our state and every aspect of our lives,” said Governor Walz.“But as Minnesotans always do during tough times, we come together and we take care of one another. And right now there’s no better way to demonstrate our Minnesotan values than by wearing a mask. By combatting the spread of COVID-19, masking will help protect our neighbors, keep our businesses open, and get us on track to return to the activities we love.”

“Wearing a mask is one of the best ways we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent Minnesotans from getting sick in the first place,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “As someone who has lost a loved one to this virus, I know that every death we can prevent is another family who does not have to feel this kind of grief. Masking up helps us keep businesses open, socialize safely, and embrace a new normal. But most importantly, it will save lives.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 22, 2020”

Minnesota Mask Mandate Effect July 25

Today, Gov. Walz announced a state-wide mandate for face coverings that goes into effect in all public indoor spaces and businesses unless you’re there alone. Workers outside who can’t social distance must also wear a face covering.

Here’s a link to the complete post.

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 21, 2020

W

July 21, 2020

Updates from the Governor

George Floyd’s death brought the urgent need for meaningful police reform into sharp focus for Minnesotans across the state. And last night, the Legislature passed bipartisan police accountability and reform measures.

Governor Walz looks forward to signing the long-overdue reforms that will strengthen transparency and community oversight of policing, ban chokeholds and ‘warrior training,’ expand autism awareness and mental health de-escalation training for officers, and change the circumstances under which officers can use deadly force.

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan thank communities of color and the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, who have led this conversation and fought tirelessly for change. This bill does not end the Governor and Lt. Governor’s commitment to people, families and communities impacted by police violence, and they will continue working closely with those most affected to achieve meaningful change. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: July 21, 2020”

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

W

July 19, 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.

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 29, 2020”

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

W

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”