Tag: Tim Walz

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 30, 2020

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May 30, 2020

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan joined community leaders from across the Twin Cities to ask Minnesotans to stay home after 8pm tonight as we work to restore peace and order across Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

As the Governor said, we need to take a hard look at the virus that has permeated our state for hundreds of years: racism. The sickening image of Officer Chauvin with his knee on George’s neck has rightfully ignited national outrage. The perpetrators of this crime must be held accountable. But that’s only a first step.

The Governor knows there must be systemic change to address inequities stemming from generations of institutionalized racism. As we remember George Floyd, there have been peaceful gathering across the Twin Cities. But there are people, many from outside Minnesota, looking to undermine this important movement by inciting chaos and violence. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 30, 2020”

Minneapolis Delegation Sends Letter to Governor Tim Walz

House DFL logoToday, Minnesota House legislators who represent parts of the city of Minneapolis sent the following letter to Gov. Tim Walz.

Dear Governor Walz:

We are writing to request that the case against the police officers who killed George Floyd, or may have been otherwise culpable in his death, be transferred to the jurisdiction of the Attorney General’s office. Unfortunately, our constituents, especially constituents of color, have lost faith in the ability of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman to fairly and impartially investigate and prosecute these cases. Freeman’s press conference on May 28th, in which he seemed ill-prepared and suggested that there was unseen exculpatory evidence that might exonerate the officers, further ruptured this trust. Continue reading “Minneapolis Delegation Sends Letter to Governor Tim Walz”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 29, 2020

WMay 29, 2020

Updates from the Governor

This morning, Governor Walz held a press briefing to address the state’s response to protests and public safety concerns in Minnesota. He was joined by Attorney General Keith Ellison, National Guard Major General Jon Jensen, Public Safety Commissioner Harrington, and Minnesota State Patrol Colonel Matt Langer. The Governor described how this week has been one of the most difficult in our state’s history and how the state plans to support Minnesotans’ right to protest while keeping Minnesotans, first responders, communities, and small businesses safe.

This afternoon, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced murder and manslaughter charges against former Officer Chauvin, who killed George Floyd on May 25. The Governor responded, saying “Former Officer Chauvin’s actions were horrific. His arrest is a good first step toward justice for George Floyd. But it doesn’t change the systemic problems and persistent inequities that led to his death or the pain our communities live with every day. We’re committed to change.” Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 29, 2020”

Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 28, 2020

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May 28, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:00 PM on 5/28/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to help protect Minnesotans’ safety and maintain peace in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Local leaders have requested National Guard resources after extensive damage to private property occurred and peaceful protests evolved into a dangerous situation for protesters and first responders.

“It is time to rebuild. Rebuild the city, rebuild our justice system, and rebuild the relationship between law enforcement and those they’re charged to protect. George Floyd’s death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction. As George Floyd’s family has said, ‘He would not want people to get hurt. He lived his life protecting people.’ Let’s come together to rebuild, remember, and seek justice for George Floyd,” said Governor Walz. Continue reading “Gov. Walz COVID-19 Update: May 28, 2020”

Walz signs bill aiding Minnesota farmers facing foreclosure

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has signed a bill that stops farm foreclosures until Dec. 1 for farmers struggling with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic who elect to take part in creditor mediation.

Minnesota’s Farmer-Lender Mediation Act requires any creditor foreclosing on agricultural debt of $15,000 or more to provide the debtor a legal notice of their right to a neutral state mediator. The law normally provides for 90 days to reach agreement. But the legislation that unanimously passed the House and Senate last week and was signed Monday temporarily extends the deadline to 150 days or Dec. 1, whichever is later.

Rep. Todd Lippert, of Northfield, says his bill is meant to help farmers stay on the farm as they face packing plant and ethanol plant shutdowns, low milk prices and the need to euthanize hogs and poultry.

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 26, 2020

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May 26, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 5:00 PM on 5/26/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Department of Health officials today announced that over Memorial Day Weekend, the Minnesota National Guard completed nearly 10,000 COVID-19 tests at six sites across the state. Minnesotans were able to get a free test without insurance or symptoms. Any Minnesotan with symptoms is encouraged to continue to find a testing location in their community and get a test.

Stay Safe MN

Minnesotans have made great sacrifices to protect their neighbors by staying home, and each step Minnesota takes to return to a new normal brings risk and responsibility for all. The Walz-Flanagan Administration continues to urge all Minnesotans to limit in-person interactions with people outside of their households, wear a mask, maintain social distance, stay home when they’re sick, and continue to telework whenever possible. Minnesotans at heightened risk to stay home except for essential activities and strongly encouraged to stay home. Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 26, 2020”

Poll: Minnesotans support stay-at-home restrictions as fear of the virus persists

More than two-thirds of Minnesotans say they won’t return to normal rhythms of daily life, and many believe the worst is yet to come, according to a new Minnesota Poll.

More than two-thirds of Minnesotans say they won’t return to normal rhythms of daily life even though some social distancing restrictions have been relaxed, and many believe the worst of the corona­virus pandemic is yet to come, according to a new Star Tribune/MPR News/KARE 11 poll.

As anxiety about the virus persists, the poll also found a majority of people support the stay-at-home restrictions and business closures they lived under for nearly two months and say they were necessary to limit the spread of the virus in their communities.

In the poll of 800 registered voters — conducted May 18 through May 20 — 57% of respondents said the restrictions are the right approach to prevent the coronavirus from spreading, while 32% said they have gone too far. Only 9% said the restrictions did not go far enough. Despite partisan divisions, a majority of independents also support the restrictions. Continue reading.

Poll Showing MN Supports Governor Walz’s Safety Measures

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – On Saturday, the Star Tribune, MPR, and KARE 11 released a poll finding extremely widespread support for the public safety measures enacted by the Walz administration to protect Minnesotans from the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak.

The poll found that a sizable majority of Minnesotans, 57%, supported the Stay at Home Order enacted by Governor Walz while another 9% expressed support for further safety measures. Only 32% expressed their opposition to these public safety precautions.

Taken together, 66% of Minnesotans support a response to COVID-19 that centers the health and well-being of the people of Minnesota. Additionally, roughly 74% of Minnesotans have personally worn masks when leaving their homes in the past week, a safety precaution that Republican elected officials have largely spurned.   Continue reading “Poll Showing MN Supports Governor Walz’s Safety Measures”

Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 24, 2020

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May 24, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 4:30 PM on 5/24/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan remain committed to protecting Minnesotans’ health and safety through this unprecedented public health crisis. Below is a recap of the previous week, which included moving into the next phases of Stay Safe MN.

Week in Review

On Monday, May 18 we moved into the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: Stay Safe MN. Friends and families can gather in groups of 10 or less, as long as safety measures are taken, such as wearing masks, washing hands, and staying six feet apart at all times. Shops across Main Street Minnesota can open if they have a safe social distancing plan and operate at 50% capacity. With these measures, the Walz-Flanagan Administration took additional steps to protect the most vulnerable and our state’s workers. The Governor and Lt. Governor also discussed the end of the 2020 the legislative session.

On Tuesday, May 19 Governor Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, and the 19th of every month through 2020, to remember and honor the lives lost due to COVID-19. Department of Health officials also underlined the importance of continuing well-child visits, noting a troubling drop in routine vaccinations. As our health system battles COVID-19, it’s important to continue these regular visits, which stop preventable diseases and help keep children healthy. Continue reading “Gov. Tim Walz COVID-19 Update: May 24, 2020”