Tag: Tim Walz

Walz: $853M in CARES Act funding to be distributed to Minnesota communities

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Thursday announced a plan to distribute $853 million in federal funding to Minnesota communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Of that total, $841 million will go to counties, cities and towns while the remaining $12 million will be allocated toward food shelves and food banks.

The local governments can use the funding to support services and grants to businesses, hospitals and individuals impacted by the pandemic. Continue reading.

Walz to release $841 million in COVID-19 aid to local governments

Legislators failed to pass distribution plan during recent special session.

Gov. Tim Walz is moving to send out $841 million in federal aid to counties, cities and townships hit hard by COVID-19 after legislators failed to strike a deal to distribute the funds during a recent special session.

Walz announced the plan Thursday, nearly a week after lawmakers adjourned the session while at a partisan impasse over police accountability measures, a bonding bill and the federal aid. Without action, local governments were unable to tap into the funding to boost services during the coronavirus pandemic.

“This funding will bring much-needed relief to communities across the state as we continue to battle this pandemic together,” Walz said in a statement announcing his decision. Continue reading.

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”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 20, 2020

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June 20, 2020</strong

Updates from the Governor

The Governor and Lt. Governor are extremely disappointed in how the special legislative session concluded.

Last night, the Governor and Lt. Governor were deep in negotiations regarding police accountability and reform, federal funding to bring relief to communities across the state impacted by COVID-19, the Local Jobs & Projects Plan, and more—and Senate Republicans ended the legislative session and went home without reaching a consensus on creating real change and bringing economic relief to Minnesotans.

One of the administration’s key session priorities did get across the finish line: Increases for child care support, especially in Greater Minnesota. This will bring relief to families across the state. But there’s much more work to do. The Governor and Lt. Governor stand ready to continue this work to create real change for Minnesotans. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 20, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 19, 2020

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June 19, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today issued a proclamation to officially recognize June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in the State of Minnesota to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Governor Walz is also calling on the legislature to work with community to establish a state holiday recognizing Juneteenth.

“Juneteenth marks our country’s second Independence Day, celebrating freedom and justice and emphasizing education, achievement, and tolerance,” reads Governor Walz’s proclamation. “We must do everything in our power to come together to deconstruct generations of systemic racism in our state so that every person in Minnesota – Black, Indigenous, Brown, and White – can be safe and thrive.”

“It took more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed for news of freedom to reach enslaved African-Americans in Texas,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Juneteenth is both a celebration and a reminder that justice does not come in one action nor is it quick. It is the work we must never stop doing.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 19, 2020”

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

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June 18, 2020

Updates from the Governor
Today, the Governor and Lt. Governor were joined by public safety officials and legislative leaders in pushing for police accountability and reform in advance of a debate on the House floor today. Last year, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Harrington and Attorney General Ellison convened a Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters Working Group. After months of deliberation, they came forward with common sense, comprehensive proposals on police reform. Those months of hard conversations and research informed many of the bills that legislators are proposing today.

The People of Color and Indigenous Caucus has compiled many of those recommendations into a comprehensive package of proposals. The House has held numerous committee hearings, beginning with a 7-hour Public Safety hearing last Saturday. They are doing the work the community has asked for. And today, they are advancing these proposals in the House.

The Governor also ordered flags to fly at half staff on Friday, June 19. He has directed flags to fly at half staff on the 19th of each month through 2020 to honor, mourn and remember the victims of COVID-19 and their families.

The Department of Health (MDH) has developed guidance that can give long-term care residents and their families connection with their loved ones once again. MDH released guidance for window visits earlier this week. The guidance is effective immediately, and they strongly encourage long-term care facilities to implement it. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Update: June 18, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 17, 2020

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June 17, 2020

Updates from the Governor

The Governor and Lt. Governor continue to work with the legislature to enact police reform and accountability and build a stronger and more equitable economy. The members of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus have put together a strong package of reforms that will support meaningful police reform, including use of force reform, funding for alternatives to policing, and greater police oversight. The Governor and Lt. Governor are also advocating for a strong Local Jobs and Projects bill to create jobs across the state and revitalize infrastructure in communities in every corner of our state.

Also today, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced a partnership with Coursera, the leading online learning platform that offers courses from 200 top universities and businesses around the world, to create accounts for Minnesotans and provide immediate access to online courses. Minnesotans will have access to 3,800 courses that cover job-relevant skills in business, technology, and data science as well as courses related to professional and personal development. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 17, 2020”