 This week, Governor Walz led a trade delegation to Australia, with stops in the major business centers of Sydney and Melbourne. The mission focused on growing the state?s exports of goods and services, showcasing Minnesota as a top destination for business investment, and developing new partnerships.?
Governor Walz and the Minnesota trade delegation visited the Melbourne headquarters of Seer Medical on Friday as the company announced a new round of funding that could allow it to expand its operations in the U.S. Seer established its first U.S. office in Rochester in 2021 with two people, and now half its 17 U.S.-based staff are in Minnesota, with plans to expand. Seer researches and manufactures long-term brain and heart monitoring devices for diagnosing and forecasting seizure episodes.?
?Minnesota?s medical technology sector leads the world in innovation and discovery, and it?s one of the powerhouses of Minnesota?s economy,? said Governor Walz. ?Australian companies know the value of investing in Minnesota ? that's why they?re here now, and why they plan to grow here for years to come.??
 On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan toured and met with residents at Spring Creek II affordable housing complex in Northfield, Minnesota.?
"Housing security is the foundation of educational and professional growth, health and safety, and allows kids and families to thrive. We have made expanding access to affordable housing a top priority in our administration. I am proud of our historic housing investments and look forward to supporting more Minnesotans in achieving their financial and housing goals."?said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.?
This year, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan made the largest single investment in housing in state history. The $1 billion investment reduces disparities in housing and homeownership, improves access to affordable housing, provides rental assistance, and invests in homelessness prevention across the state.
The bill included:
- $200 million for down payment assistance programs. This includes $150 million for first-generation down payment assistance.
- $200 million for housing infrastructure investments.
- $95 million for the Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program to support new workforce housing.
- $40 million to support workforce housing and infrastructure in Greater Minnesota.
- $45 million for homelessness prevention in addition to the?$50 million?that Governor Walz signed into law on March 31.
- Permanent funding for housing needs across the state.
Earlier this week, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrated Minnesota being named by a recent?CNBC?study as the second-best state for millennial homeownership based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau.?
?Homeownership is a goal for many Minnesotans and important for long-term financial stability,??said Governor Walz.??I am proud to invest in affordable housing and home ownership assistance programs, especially for younger generations. Whether it?s building new housing, providing rental assistance, or ensuring homeownership is an option for all Minnesotans, we are committed to giving every person quality, affordable housing options.?
?Being named the 2nd highest state for millennial homeownership is a big step towards making home ownership a reality for every person and family,??said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.??Housing security is the foundation of educational and professional growth, health and safety, and allows kids and families to thrive. We have made expanding access to affordable housing a top priority in our administration. I am proud of our historic housing investments and look forward to supporting more Minnesotans in achieving their financial and housing goals.?
 This week, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrated? Apprenticeship Week by highlighting efforts to connect Minnesotans to high-growth, high-demand jobs through apprenticeships, job training, and workforce development programs.
?We have many tools to recruit and train workers for the high-growth, high-demand jobs we have available across our state, and apprenticeship programs are a critical part of that effort,??said Governor Walz.??This week, we?re recognizing apprenticeship programs and the opportunities they provide Minnesotans to build advanced job skills, expand our workforce, and grow the state?s economy.?
?Apprenticeship programs chart pathways for Minnesotans to succeed in high-growth industries,??said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.??Thank you to the employers and organizations that provide apprenticeship opportunities for thousands of Minnesotans across the state. We?ll continue to invest in these programs and create more opportunities for Minnesotans to succeed.?
On Monday, Governor Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota effective immediately until sunset on Monday, November 20, in honor and remembrance of Sergeant Cade Michael Wolfe. Sgt. Wolfe, a Minnesotan from Mankato, and four other American service members were killed in an aircraft crash during a training exercise over the Mediterranean Sea.
?Minnesota is deeply saddened by the loss of Sgt. Cade Michael Wolfe, a Minnesotan who dedicated himself to selflessly serving our nation and keeping our country safe,??said Governor Walz.??With deep gratitude, Minnesota recognizes Sgt. Cade Michael Wolfe for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his state and country. His family, loved ones, and community are in our prayers.?
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