On Wednesday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan purchased fishing licenses and highlighted the impact of fishing on Minnesota’s tourism economy ahead of next week’s fishing opener.
"Fishing is an economic driver and a way of life for so many Minnesotans," said Governor Walz. "The purchase price of every license goes directly towards conservation efforts, fisheries, and preserving boat ramps and water access – all to ensure fishing remains an activity Minnesotans can enjoy for years to come."
"This year’s opener falls on the same weekend as Mother’s Day, better known as Take a Mom Fishing Day in Minnesota," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Women make up less than 20 percent of fishers in Minnesota, and I’m especially excited to encourage more women to get out fishing this year."
On Thursday, Governor Walz signed a bill into law designating a portion of Highway 169 as the "Senator David J. Tomassoni Memorial Cross Range Expressway." Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan were joined by family members of Senator Tomassoni to celebrate the bill signing.
"Senator David Tomassoni exemplified the spirit of the Iron Range. His humble nature and devotion to improving his community has had an enduring impact," said Governor Walz. "When we lost Senator Tomassoni, we lost a dedicated legislator, a champion for the Range, and a powerful advocate for people with ALS. Yet, his legacy lives on. I am honored to dedicate this stretch of highway across the Iron Range to Senator Tomassoni."
"From his work funding ALS research to his dedication to the Iron Range, Dave Tomassoni had a significant impact for our state," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Naming this stretch of Highway 169 in his honor is a powerful way to show Minnesota’s appreciation for his legacy of public service."
On Friday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan highlighted the Pathways to Policing state grant program intended to bring people with nontraditional backgrounds into law enforcement. Local and Tribal agencies are eligible to apply for the grants, which allow candidates to earn salary and benefits while they attend a training program.
"Our Pathways to Policing grant program brings people with nontraditional backgrounds into law enforcement, including people of color, women, and veterans," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "St. Louis Park – my hometown and a founding member of the program – has already successfully recruited 9 candidates. We’re encouraging communities to follow St. Louis Park’s lead and take advantage of the dollars available to them."
On Friday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan applauded the Minnesota House for passing three bills that would strengthen gun safety in Minnesota.
"As a gun-owner, veteran, hunter, and dad, I know that basic gun safety is a critical part of responsible gun ownership. I applaud the House for passing a trio of common sense bills that would make Minnesota safer by making sure guns don’t fall into the wrong hands," said Governor Walz. "I am ready to sign this legislation into law as soon as it reaches my desk."
"We can and must make Minnesota schools, homes, and workplaces safer for everyone," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "I’m proud to see legislators pushing for these overdue gun safety bills. As a relatively new hunter, I know that gun safety legislation does not impede Minnesotans’ ability to hunt and use guns responsibly. This legislation will only make Minnesota a safer, healthier place to live, work, and learn. I look forward to seeing these bills reach the Governor’s desk."
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