Tag: Tim Walz

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 7, 2020

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June 7, 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. Locations in your community can be found here.

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 Public Safety Update: June 7, 2020”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz loosening restrictions on restaurants, salons, gyms, pools June 10

Crowd capacity and social distancing restrictions will be in place in most venues

Gov. Tim Walz lifted more restrictions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19 and will allow for limited indoor dining, indoor entertainment at movie theaters and other venues, fitness club usage, and outdoor entertainment of up to 250 people.

The changes, which take effect on Wednesday, include the reopening of swimming pools. Restaurants, bars and salons will now be allowed to operate at 50% capacity and fitness centers can operate at 25% capacity with no more than 250 people.

“We believe we should be able to handle this,” Walz said. “We are going to make sure that we are not going to ask workers to go back into unsafe conditions.” Continue reading.

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 6, 2020

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June 6, 2020

Updates from the Governor

We know that Minnesota is fighting two viruses right now. One that appeared in our state just months ago, and one that has existed for generations. Governor Walz spent the week responding to COVID-19 and charting a path forward, in partnership with communities that have been impacted by systemic racism, after the death of George Floyd. Below is a recap of major announcements and decisions of the previous week.

Week in Review

On Monday, June 1 Governor Walz modified and extended the Minneapolis-St. Paul nighttime curfew to provide safety for Minnesota residents, neighborhoods, businesses and communities. Throughout the week, the Governor’s office provided regular situation updates to Minnesotans and members of the press with the latest information on public safety.

On Tuesday, June 2 Governor Walz announced the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will begin an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after filing a civil rights charge related to the death of George Floyd. This investigation into policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years will determine if the MPD has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color and ensure any such practices are stopped. Minnesotans with information that can further the investigation into the MPD should contact the Department of Human Rights at mn.gov/mdhr or 651-539-1100. Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 6, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 5, 2020

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June 5, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz made two major announcements regarding COVID-19 and systemic discrimination in Minnesota.

Turning of the Dial on COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to present an unprecedented challenge to our state. When our first cases started to appear in Minnesota, we weren’t ready to fight this virus. We needed time, and we asked Minnesotans to stay home so we could prepare. With the capacity that we built while Minnesotans stayed home, we can chart a new way forward. We can take a measured, Minnesota approach that protects public health and improves economic stability.

That’s why today the Governor announced a turning of the dial to open up more of society across the state. Starting Wednesday, June 10, people will be able to head inside to restaurants and bars. Gyms and fitness studios can resume operations. Pools will be open across the state. But all of that will require safe social distancing, strict capacity limits, and wearing masks. Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan: Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 5, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 3, 2020

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June 3, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Attorney General Keith Ellison today announced that he has charged all four officers involved in George Floyd’s death, and announced that he has increased the charge against former officer Derek Chauvin to second degree murder. Governor Walz released the following statement:

“I laid flowers at George Floyd’s memorial this morning. As a former high school history teacher, I looked up at the mural of George’s face painted above and I reflected on what his death will mean for future generations. What will our young people learn about this moment? Will his death be just another blip in a textbook? Or will it go down in history as when our country turned toward justice and change?”

“It’s on each of us to determine that answer.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 3, 2020”

Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 2, 2020

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Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will begin an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after filing a civil rights charge related to the death of George Floyd. This investigation into policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years will determine if the MPD has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color and ensure any such practices are stopped. Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero will lead the investigation.

This important action against an police department will allow the Department of Human Rights to take swift action in response to any determination of civil rights violations.

“Minnesotans can expect our administration to use every tool at our disposal to deconstruct generations of systemic racism in our state,” said Governor Tim Walz. “As we move forward, we ask the community to watch what we do, not what we say. It is going to take action at all levels, from the neighborhood on up, to get the change we need to see. This effort is only one of many steps to come in our effort to restore trust with those in the community who have been unseen and unheard for far too long.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Public Safety Update: June 2, 2020”

Minnesota AG Keith Ellison to take over case in Floyd killing

In an unusual legal maneuver, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will take the lead in the prosecution of the fired Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died last week in police custody.

Gov. Tim Walz said Sunday that he concluded Ellison needed to take over the case from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office at the urging of Floyd’s family, community activists, and some members of the Minneapolis City Council seeking a vigorous prosecution of the officer, 44-year-old Derek Chauvin.

“This decision is one that I feel takes us in that direction and the step to start getting the justice for George Floyd,” Walz said Sunday. “When I spoke to the Floyd family they were very clear: They wanted the system to work for them. They wanted to believe that there was trust and they wanted to feel like the facts would be heard and justice would be served.” Continue reading.

Gov. Walz Public Safety Update: June 1, 2020

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June 1, 2020

Updates from the Governor

The Governor today modified and extended the Minneapolis-St. Paul nighttime curfew through Wednesday morning to provide safety for Minnesota residents, neighborhoods, businesses and communities. Beginning tonight, the curfew will be in effect from 10pm to 4am.

“Having a curfew in place has allowed law enforcement to separate out those who mean to bring further pain and destruction in our communities from the thousands who have peacefully demonstrated for systemic changes in George Floyd’s name,” said Governor Walz. “I want to thank our public servants who’ve worked tirelessly to restore peace to our neighborhoods, and all Minnesotans who have abided by the curfew to keep our communities safe.”

During the curfew, no one is allowed to travel on Minneapolis and Saint Paul streets or public places, except for first responders, members of the media, people going back and forth to work, individuals seeking emergency care or fleeing danger, and people experiencing homelessness. Curfews are not limited to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mayors and local governments across the state can issue their own curfews. Continue reading “Gov. Walz Public Safety Update: June 1, 2020”

Gov. Tim Walz Public Safety Update: May 31, 2020

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May 31, 2020

Updates from the Governor

The Governor has extended the temporary curfew through tomorrow, Monday, June 1. Minnesotans in the Twin Cities must stay home until 6am.

“The curfew on Friday and Saturday night allowed our law enforcement to target those who meant to do harm to our communities,” said Governor Walz. “Law enforcement made several arrests and seized weapons, narcotics, long guns, handguns, magazines and knives. We have reason to believe that bad actors continue to infiltrate the rightful protests of George Floyd’s murder, which is why we are extending the curfew by one day.”

During the curfew, no one is allowed to travel on Minneapolis and Saint Paul streets or public places, except for first responders, members of the media, people going back and forth to work, individuals seeking emergency care or fleeing danger, and people experiencing homelessness. Curfews are not limited to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mayors and local governments across the state can issue their own curfews. Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz Public Safety Update: May 31, 2020”