 Governor Walz celebrated the grand opening of the St. Cloud Veterans Center Outstation. The new St. Cloud location serves as a satellite location of the Anoka Vet Center, providing services in leased space where at least one full-time counselor works Monday through Friday.
"Today, we celebrated the opening of the St. Cloud Veterans Center Outstation," said Governor Walz. "As a veteran myself, I recognize the obligation we have to deliver on the benefits our veterans have earned. This Center reflects our strong commitment to deliver these services here in Minnesota."
 On Monday, Governor Walz announced the recipients of the 2024 Dual Training Grants awarded by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. In total, $5.4 million was awarded to 84 Minnesota employers to fund dual training programs for 958 employees in high-demand industries. Grants are awarded to employers in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services, information technology, child care, transportation, and legal cannabis industries.
"These career growth and training opportunities allow Minnesotans to get ahead in their careers while helping businesses recruit and retain talent. It’s a win-win," said Governor Walz. "As Minnesota sees an increase in high-demand, good-paying jobs, we’re investing in the economic future by ensuring the workforce is supported."
"These grants are crucial for supporting our state’s workforce and reflect our commitment to building a strong economic future for Minnesota," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "This program will ensure businesses in high-demand industries can build their workforce while more workers gain access to different training and career pathways: it’s a win-win scenario."
On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced $2.7 million in grants to build career pathways for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income Minnesotans into good-paying union trade jobs in the high-demand fields of construction, clean energy, and energy efficiency.
"A green economy sets us up for a healthier future while ensuring that all Minnesotans share the benefits of clean and renewable energy. This includes equal opportunity to fill cutting edge jobs that will become available," said Governor Walz. "These grants are helping us build the skilled, diverse workforce we need to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040."
"Climate change has disproportionately impacted the people who are least responsible for the problem, namely low-income communities and communities of color," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "That’s why these grants are so important. They’re helping us ensure that those who have continually dealt with the negative impacts of climate change are given an opportunity to fill the good-paying jobs that are part of a more sustainable economy. These grants represent a small step towards climate justice."
 On Friday, Governor Walz attended a commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War.
"Today, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Vietnam War veterans were often not recognized for their service when they returned. 50 years later, we must recommit to giving our highest support for the dedication and sacrifice they have given to our country," said Governor Walz.
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