Tag: Tim Walz

Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 6, 2020

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April 6, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 4:00 PM on 4/6/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Amid rising reports of discrimination from the Asian Pacific Islander community, Governor Tim Walz launched a Discrimination Helpline today to reinforce the state’s efforts to protect the civil rights of Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The helpline will allow Minnesotans who experience or witness discrimination to report incidents directly to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. The helpline is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Minnesotans are resilient people who support their neighbors when the going gets tough,” Governor Walz said. “As Asian Americans in Minnesota report heightened cases of discrimination amid COVID-19, my message is clear: Viruses don’t discriminate, and neither do we.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 6, 2020”

Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Upate: April 5, 2020

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April 5, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 4/5/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz delivered his second State of the State address remotely from the Governor’s Residence. During his speech, he recognized the new reality facing Minnesotans as COVID-19 disrupts their everyday lives, a reality that far exceeds Minnesota’s harshest winters. But he also pointed out that Minnesotans are resilient people with a deep reserve of courage, optimism, and grit. While there’s no stopping the storm of COVID-19 from hitting Minnesota, we are preparing for it:

  • We are building our hospital capacity so that we can ensure as many Minnesotans as possible receive the care they need when they need it.
  • We are increasing testing to better track the disease.
  • We are increasing ventilators and ICU beds for when people fall ill.
  • We are doing all we can to find more personal protective equipment for the selfless doctors, nurses, first-responders, and so many others on the frontlines against COVID-19.

Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Upate: April 5, 2020”

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on State of the State

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on Governor Walz’s second State of the State address:

“Governor Walz and his Administration have shown incredible leadership and have served the people of Minnesota well during this crisis,” said Speaker Hortman. “The Minnesota House of Representatives will continue working with the Governor and doing everything we can to help Minnesotans during this difficult time and into the future. Minnesotans care about one another, and we help each other out in tough times. Despite the challenges and uncertainty before us, we remain confident in our ability to come together and pull through.”

“During this pandemic, we appreciate Governor Walz and his team’s strong work to protect the health and well-being of Minnesotans,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Despite the challenges we’re facing, we know Minnesotans will meet the moment. The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to work hard on behalf of our constituents, and we know there are more issues we will need to address in the coming days, weeks, and months. We are already looking ahead and exploring options to address the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a brighter future for all Minnesotans.”

 

Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 4, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:00 PM on 4/4/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Yesterday, Governor Walz signed an Executive Order to lift hours of service requirements for certain truck drivers, in order to support the state’s agriculture community, while they work to keep Minnesotans fed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the ongoing spread of COVID-19, there are heightened concerns within the agricultural industry about the decrease in the commercial driver workforce and the risk it poses to efficient movement of agricultural commodities. Executive Order 20-27 lifts certain regulations on hours of service, helping to facilitate safe and efficient movement of critical supplies.

“Minnesota agriculture is critical to both our economic health and our ability to keep Minnesotans fed and healthy during this pandemic,” said Governor Walz. “This measure will help ensure essential agriculture supplies can be transported quickly and efficiently.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 4, 2020”

Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 3, 2020

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April 3, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 2:45 PM on 4/3/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today unveiled a new State of Minnesota COVID-19 dashboard that tracks the virus in Minnesota and provides the latest available data on available ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing. The dashboard will be updated daily and is available at https://mn.gov/covid19/.

“During Minnesota’s Stay Home Order, we’ve worked to collect data, increase the availability of necessary equipment, and develop strategies to address economic and social impacts of COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “This dashboard will provide Minnesotans with timely, accurate information about the data that informs our decisions on COVID-19 response, recovery, and resources.” Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 3, 2020”

Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 1, 2020

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April 2, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 4:30 PM on 4/2/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today announced that Minnesota’s health plans have agreed to waive costs for treatment of COVID-19. This move comes in response to a March 13 letter from the Governor and State Commissioners of Health and Commerce urging Minnesota health plans to remove barriers to coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minnesotans with commercial insurance—including individuals, small businesses, and some large businesses—are now eligible for the following benefits: Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 1, 2020”

Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 1, 2020

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April 1, 2020

Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 8:30 PM on 4/1/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Today, Governor Walz announced that he will give his annual State of the State address on Sunday, April 5 at 7 p.m. from the Governor’s Residence. Though he originally planned to deliver the State of the State on March 23, the COVID-19 outbreak required that it be postponed to a later date. You can tune in on local news or his Facebook page.

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Child Care Grants Available

Governor Walz today announced that the application process for emergency grants for child care providers is open. This funding was proposed by the Governor and Lt. Governor in partnership with the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet. Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: April 1, 2020”

Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: March 31, 2020

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Below is an update on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to Minnesota as of 7:30 PM on 3/31/2020.

Updates from the Governor

Governor Walz today signed two Executive Orders, which extend licenses for first responders and allow the medical cannabis program to continue safely serving Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Executive Order 20-25 extends licenses for peace officers, firefighters, and private security personnel. The Order allows professionals on the front lines combating COVID-19 to maintain their licenses and continue supporting Minnesotans during the peacetime emergency.

Executive Order 20-26 extends enrollment dates that are set to expire over the next several months for current medical cannabis patients; allows any patient to request a temporary caregiver so they are able to send someone to pick up medication on their behalf; and allows medical cannabis patients to practice social distancing with curbside delivery and telephone pharmacist consultations. This order will help keep immunocompromised individuals safe and lessen the burden on busy healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading “Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Update: March 31, 2020”