 On Monday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan released a one-page supplemental budget proposal. The budget addresses pressing statewide needs, including rural emergency medical services, water quality, and child welfare.
"Last year, we took historic steps to make Minnesota the best state in the nation for families. This year, we’re focused on putting that work into action while maintaining a responsible, balanced budget," said Governor Walz. "From rural ambulance services to water quality infrastructure, we are addressing some of our most pressing statewide needs and delivering on core government services."
"This supplemental budget invests in the core services that ensure Minnesotans can live safer, healthier, better lives. That includes continuing to build on our historic investments in child care," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "By strengthening our child welfare system and adding pre-kindergarten seats, we’re making smart investments that will make Minnesota the best state for kids and families."
 On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced the recipients of nearly $20 million in grants to grow Minnesota’s workforce through the Drive for Five Workforce initiative, a new effort to prepare more Minnesotans for high-demand jobs in five occupational categories: technology, the trades, caring professions, manufacturing, and education.
"We’re partnering with organizations across the state to expand job training programs and grow the workforce for the future," said Governor Walz. "By investing in career training, we’re helping businesses find the skilled workers they need while helping Minnesotans find fulfilling careers and earn family-sustaining wages. This is good for our workers, our businesses, and our economy."
 On Thursday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited a school in St. Paul to highlight legislative efforts to prevent book bans based on ideology. With more than 1,400 instances of books banned in the first half of the 2022-23 school year across the nation, this proposed legislation would ensure such restrictions don’t happen in Minnesota.
"Our commitment to making Minnesota the best state in the nation for children means increasing access to books, not censoring them," said Governor Walz. "Taking books away from kids and schools does not protect our children – it erases many of the stories and voices that do. This legislation will ensure books remain accessible to teach, and all children continue to have the opportunity to read freely."
"We are committed to investing in education, our future, and children across the state. Banning books does not align with this commitment," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "As books disappear from our shelves, so do the stories of those who have fought the hardest to get there. The select removal of voices is not serving our children. This legislation will protect the access to information and knowledge that our kids deserve."
On Wednesday, Governor Walz announced that the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) received the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Veterans for their work to end veterans homelessness. Additionally, four Minnesota veterans homes received a national customer experience award for the sixth year in a row.
"Minnesota is on track to become the fourth state to end veterans homelessness, and we’re using a nation-leading outreach program to reach that goal," said Governor Walz. "I’m proud of our team at MDVA who are dedicated to connecting veterans to their critical benefits. This recognition reflects Minnesota’s commitment to providing the best services and care for our veterans."
On Friday, Governor Walz, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, and House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced that they have reached a budget framework agreement.
"This is a responsible, thoughtful agreement that maintains a balanced budget while funding our state’s most urgent needs for critical infrastructure, public safety, and emergency services," said Governor Walz. "Last year we made historic investments and passed sweeping progressive legislation, and this year we’re focused on doing the hard work of putting that legislation into action."
 On Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 7:00pm Governor Walz will deliver the State of the State address at Owatonna High School.
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
|
