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On Sunday, Governor Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota starting sunrise on Monday, February 19, 2024, to honor the lives of two police officers and a firefighter who lost their lives in the line of duty. Burnsville Police Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and Burnsville Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth were among the team who responded to reports of a domestic situation reported in the early morning of February 18.
"We must never take for granted the bravery and sacrifices our first responders make each and every day," said Governor Walz. "It is with deepest gratitude that the State of Minnesota recognizes Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and Firefighter Adam Finseth for their dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, their fellow Minnesotans. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and community."
"There are no words to describe a loss of this magnitude to our Burnsville and first responder community," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "The tragedies that unfolded this morning are every family?s worst nightmare, yet our first responders stay selflessly committed to keeping Minnesotans safe every day. I am immensely grateful for the sacrifices and service of our police officers, firefighters, and medics, and my heart is heavy with grief for the three heroes we lost today."
 On Tuesday, Governor Walz visited students at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota to recognize Career and Technical Education Month. Last week, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited Minneapolis Community and Technical College to also celebrate the month and highlight the demand for technical careers in Minnesota.?
"Our community and technical colleges are the foundation of Minnesota?s economic future," said Governor Walz. "I?m proud to celebrate the sophisticated job training and incredible education happening at campuses across Minnesota and thank the educators who are dedicated to empowering students to enter into high-demand, good-paying careers in rapidly growing industries like manufacturing."
"Whether it?s repairing HVAC systems, welding, or preparing for a career in the culinary industry, career and technical education is crucial to providing opportunities for every Minnesotan to thrive," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "I am grateful for all the technical and community colleges who are helping fill the gaps in our workforce and providing every student with an exciting, individualized pathway to success."
 On Wednesday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan attended a ship-naming ceremony in Washington, D.C. for James D. Fairbanks who was a Command Master Chief of the Naval Facilities Command, and Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Seabees. He was born and raised on the White Earth Reservation.
"I had the privilege of speaking at the Naval ship-naming for Force Master Chief Fairbanks. We are grateful to celebrate this connection between the U.S Navy, the White Earth Nation, and the State of Minnesota. Sailors who call Minnesota home are standing a little taller today," said Governor Walz.
"I was honored to attend the Naval ship-naming for Force Master Chief James D. Fairbanks, a fellow member of the White Earth Nation, today in Washington, D.C.," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.?"Native Americans have long served at the highest per capita rate in the military, and this honor bestowed on Force Master Chief Fairbanks also honors the service and sacrifices made by all Native Americans who serve, and have served in our military."
 On Wednesday, Governor Walz signed a letter of understanding between Chernihiv Oblast in Ukraine and Minnesota at the Ukrainian Embassy. The signatories were Governor Walz, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States?Oksana Markarova, and Governor Viacheslav Chaus of Chernihiv Oblast, who joined virtually. The letter of understanding establishes a partnership between the public, private, and academic sectors of Minnesota and Chernihiv Oblast in agriculture and advanced agricultural industries.??
"Minnesota will continue to support Ukraine as they defend freedom and democracy," said Governor Walz. "I visited the Ukrainian Embassy to establish a formal partnership between the public, private, and academic sectors of Minnesota and Chernihiv Oblast, strengthening our state?s ties to Ukraine."
"Minnesota has not forgotten the valor of the Ukrainian people in fighting for freedom and democracy. By expanding our partnership, we?re signaling that Minnesota is here to support Ukraine in the long run,"?said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
 On Thursday, Governor Walz co-chaired the Council of Governors meeting in Washington, D.C. The meeting focused on the progress made on issues of cybersecurity, emergency management and disaster response, issues impacting the Air and Army National Guard, workforce matters, and strategic defense budget trends.
"It was an honor to convene the bipartisan Council of Governors meeting today and discuss how we can work together to advance our common interests in homeland security and emergency management," said Governor Walz. "I?m grateful for the opportunity to work with my fellow governors and leaders across the federal government to advance the safety and security of each of our states."
On Friday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced that Minnesota families have claimed $231 million through the new Child Tax Credit, benefitting 183,000 children. Families have qualified for an average credit of $1,322. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan have visited sites in Alexandria, Duluth, and Saint Paul offering free tax preparation assistance and will continue traveling the state to encourage Minnesotans to file for the new Child Tax Credit.
The tax credit of up to $1,750 per child is estimated to cut child poverty by up to one third in Minnesota. Nearly 300,000 households, including 513,000 children, are estimated to qualify for the credit.
"We are seeing the benefits of investing in kids and families in real time as middle class Minnesotans across the state receive thousands of dollars to help cover life?s expenses," said Governor Walz. "Our Child Tax Credit is helping families and children right now, while also making an investment that will pay off for generations."
"I am so excited to see the numbers grow as more and more families take advantage of the Child Tax Credit. We have committed to making Minnesota the best state in the country to raise a family and this credit is helping us do just that," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Life happens, and whether it?s paying for child care, covering an emergency medical bill, or putting food on the table, we want to help Minnesotans land on their feet. That means ensuring 100 percent of eligible families access these dollars. We will continue working with our community partners to spread the word and help lower costs for Minnesotans."
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