 On Monday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced the appointments of Theodora Gaïtas and Sarah Hennesy as associate justices on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
"I am honored to appoint Judge Gaïtas to the Minnesota Supreme Court," said Governor Walz. "She is a remarkable jurist who has served at all levels of our judiciary. Her understanding of the complexities of our judicial system will make her an excellent addition to the Minnesota Supreme Court."
"Judge Gaïtas will be an extraordinary justice who will bring a wealth of life and legal experience to our state’s highest court," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "As a longtime appellate public defender, she will never lose sight of the people behind every decision of the justice system."
"It is my privilege to appoint Chief Judge Sarah Hennesy," said Governor Walz. "Not only is she a brilliant legal mind with extensive judicial experience, but she is a leader who knows how to move the needle towards justice."
"I am thrilled with Chief Judge Hennesy’s appointment," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Her greater Minnesota perspective, combined with her passion for service and a deep connection to the people she serves, will make her an exceptional justice on the Supreme Court. I look forward to seeing her thrive in her new role."
On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced Minnesota has received $62 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for solar projects that will help families save on energy costs. The Solar for All grant will support a variety of solar programs serving low-income and disadvantaged communities.
"We can tackle climate change while saving families money. These grants are a great example of how we can make that happen," said Governor Walz. "Minnesota’s health, wellbeing, and economic future depend on us taking climate seriously. This grant is a major step in the right direction as we continue to create clean energy jobs and move toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040."
On Thursday, Governor Walz announced grants to dozens of school districts to improve traffic safety near schools. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has awarded $1.4 million for communities, school districts, and organizations across Minnesota to support the Safe Routes to School program.
"Parents should be able to send their kids off to school knowing they will arrive safe and sound," said Governor Walz. "By improving safety and promoting active modes of transportation for students, this program supports safe and healthy kids in communities across the state."
 Also on Thursday, Governor Walz joined federal and state legislators and local leaders to break ground on a new $50 million construction project in Austin to replace and repair bridges along Interstate 90. This is one of the first transportation projects in Minnesota funded by President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
"The I-90 bridge construction project is officially underway – one of the first projects in Minnesota funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Together, we’re rebuilding roads and bridges across Minnesota," said Governor Walz.
 On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan attended the grand reopening of the Minneapolis American Indian Center.
"I was so overwhelmed celebrating the grand reopening of the Minneapolis American Indian Center – a powerful community space dedicated to improving lives for Indigenous youth, families, and elders," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "This project is the result of a strong, equitable bonding bill – which our administration championed."
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