On Thursday, Governor Walz signed a $2.6 billion infrastructure bill, the largest in state history, into law alongside Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, legislators, labor leaders, and advocates.
?This infrastructure bill is about making life safer and easier for Minnesotans and delivering on the most basic things that government should provide ? reliable roads, clean drinking water, and sound infrastructure to support safe, healthy communities,? said Governor Walz. ?With this investment, we?re going to rebuild our roads and bridges, repair fire stations and water treatment plants, and upgrade our veterans homes, fish hatcheries, and flood mitigation systems ? all while creating good-paying jobs for Minnesotans. This is how we put a down payment on the future of our state.?
?From clean drinking water and strong community centers to safe housing,?I am so thrilled by the progress and prosperity held in this infrastructure package,??said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.??By making historic investments in communities ? particularly Black, Brown, and Native communities ? that have often been left out of public investment, this bill makes equitable investments, so no community is left behind. These projects are?what make Minnesota the best place to live, work, and raise a family.?
On Tuesday, Governor Walz signed a bill legalizing adult-use cannabis and providing for the expungement or resentencing of cannabis convictions.
?We?ve known for too long that prohibiting the use of cannabis hasn?t worked. By legalizing adult-use cannabis, we?re expanding our economy, creating jobs, and regulating the industry to keep Minnesotans safe,? said Governor Walz. ?Legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging or resentencing cannabis convictions will strengthen communities. This is the right move for Minnesota.?
?Legalizing adult-use cannabis is about keeping our communities safe, advancing justice for Minnesotans, and investing in a strong economic future,? said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. ?Prohibiting the use of cannabis hasn?t worked and has disproportionately harmed communities of color across the state. By expunging nonviolent cannabis convictions, we are removing the barriers that prevent thousands of Minnesotans from fully returning to work, to their communities, and to their lives. This is how we make safer communities.?
On Wednesday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan joined state leaders and lawmakers to celebrate historic legislative investments that will help advance Minnesota?s climate action plan. This session, Governor Walz signed over 40 climate initiatives in energy, environment, agriculture, health, transportation, and construction into law.
?From clean energy jobs and electric vehicles to natural resource restoration and grants that prepare communities for severe weather, Minnesota is investing in innovative strategies that combat the effects of climate change,? said Governor Walz. ?With these historic investments, we are positioning our state as a national leader in climate solutions, ensuring Minnesota remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come.?
?Minnesotans recognize that the time is now to invest in and protect our climate,? said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. ?I am so proud of the historic investments we made this session to protect our natural resources, support communities impacted by the effects of climate change, and invest in a clean, competitive economy. This legislation is a win for our kids and grandkids and will have a transformational impact on our state for decades to come.?
On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced that the state will award nearly $5 million in loans for 22 small businesses across Minnesota. These businesses are the first recipients of funding through the state?s new $100 million State Small Business Credit Initiative, intended to help small businesses grow and succeed.
?Small businesses are at the heart of our communities, our workforce, and our state?s economy. By investing in small businesses, we?re investing in one of our state?s greatest assets,? said Governor Walz. ?This funding will bolster small businesses and help Minnesota?s economy continue to grow and thrive.?
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