Governor Walz Surveys Site of Raymond Train Derailment, Pledges Full State Support
Governor Walz traveled to Raymond, Minnesota to survey the damage, meet with local officials, and offer the state’s full support following a train derailment.
“I am immensely grateful for the swift, coordinated response between local, state, and national partners to ensure the immediate safety of the Raymond community,” said Governor Walz. “This incident has highlighted the critical need to invest in rail safety and the state’s emergency management response to prevent incidents like this from happening again.”
Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords called on Minnesota legislators to honor the lives lost in the Nashville elementary school shooting by passing commonsense gun violence prevention measures into law – like red flag laws and background checks.
“For the safety of our children, Minnesota can and must lead on this,” said Governor Walz.
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced Dr. Stephanie Burrage as Minnesota’s first Chief Equity Officer. Dr. Burrage will be responsible for working with the Governor’s Office and cabinet to create the new Equity and Opportunity Office and partnering with external stakeholders to achieve equity and opportunity across the state.
Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility in Minnesota
On Friday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrated Trans Day of Visibility in Minnesota.
"This month, I took executive action to protect gender-affirming health care in Minnesota. In Minnesota, we celebrate, value, and protect our LGBTQ+ neighbors," said Governor Walz.
"Our trans friends and neighbors should be safe to be their full, authentic, beautiful selves," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Here in Minnesota, we won’t allow bullies to keep us from doing the right thing. We will keep showing up to keep our trans relatives safe."
As the federal COVID-19 public health emergency unwinds, Governor Walz signed a bill into law providing resources to help eligible Minnesotans keep their Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare health insurance.
“We want everyone who qualifies to keep Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare so they can continue receiving uninterrupted health care,” said Governor Walz. “These resources will help us reach people, so Minnesotans across the state can stay covered.”
“Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare cover one in four Minnesotans, including 40% of Minnesota children,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Any gaps in coverage have the potential to make Minnesota’s existing health disparities even worse. This bill will help reach communities where they are so people can keep their insurance.”
Governor Walz also signed a bill into law providing $50 million in funding for homelessness prevention and assistance.
“Ensuring our children and families have access to safe and affordable housing is central to our commitment to making Minnesota the best state for kids to grow up,” said Governor Walz. “Housing is a basic need that every Minnesotan deserves, and this bill moves us closer to making sure this need is met for everyone in the state.”
“Affordable, stable housing is the foundation for Minnesotans’ health, safety, and growth,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “This investment provides direct assistance without delay to our neighbors experiencing homelessness and will help prevent homelessness before it happens. This is just the beginning of what we will accomplish this session to ensure every Minnesotan has a safe place to call home.”
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