 On Tuesday, Governor Walz joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state leaders at The Food Group in New Hope to announce a $200 million grant to cut climate pollution from Minnesota food systems. The funding was awarded through the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program.
"Minnesota has consistently been a leader in climate solutions. From clean energy to sustainable agriculture, our climate goals are ensuring a healthier, safer state. Today, we’re celebrating another significant milestone in this journey," said Governor Walz. "With the EPA’s help, we are creating a food system that nourishes Minnesotans while reducing waste and climate pollution."
 On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan toured Whole Women's Health of Minnesota, an independent health care organization committed to providing holistic reproductive health care. Following the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan took executive action to protect reproductive health care services in Minnesota. Executive Order 22-16 protected people seeking or providing abortions in Minnesota from laws in other states. In January 2023, Governor Walz signed the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act into law, establishing reproductive freedom as a fundamental right for every Minnesotan.
"Across the country, folks look to our state as a safe haven for reproductive freedom. I’m grateful to independent clinics like Whole Women’s Health for helping our neighbors access the care they need," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
 Last week, Governor Walz visited the farm of Matt Kruger in Pine Island to highlight resources available for new farmers. A shortage of new farmers and financial barriers to farming threaten the future of agriculture. State resources including the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, Beginning Farmer Loan Program, and the Down Payment Assistance Grant provide necessary supports to encourage new farmers.
"Minnesota is built on agriculture. We rely on our farmers to feed our families and drive the economy and it is vital that we support our farmers and create opportunities for new folks to enter the occupation, especially amid difficult times," said Governor Walz. "I am grateful for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for their work ensuring that new farmers and rural communities can thrive."
 This year, Minnesota become the first state in the country to build and open three veterans home simultaneously in Montevideo, Preston, and Bemidji. Governor Walz joined veterans and community leaders at the dedication of all three. These new homes will allow Minnesota to serve almost 200 more veterans needing skilled nursing care as they age.
"I was honored to dedicate and showcase the state’s newest veterans homes in Montevideo, Preston, and Bemidji," said Governor Walz. "Our veterans have made considerable sacrifices to protect our state and country, and it is now our turn to take care of them. I am grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and everyone who has worked tirelessly to build these crucially needed homes and create the spaces our veterans deserve."
 Governor Walz proclaimed Friday, July 26, 2024, as Minnesota Olympians Day to celebrate the twelve individuals from Minnesota who will join the world’s best athletes at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Minnesota athletes competing include Sunisa Lee, artistic gymnastics; Dakotah Lindwurm, marathon; Sarah Bacon, diving; Payton Otterdahl, shot put; Jordan Thompson, volleyball; Alise Willoughby, BMX racing; Matthew Wilkinson, 3000 steeplechase; Naphessa Collier, basketball; Lara Dallman-Weiss, sailing; Regan Smith, swimming; and Anthony Edwards, basketball. Cheryl Reeve will also represent Minnesota as coach of Team USA’s Olympic women’s basketball team.
"For decades, Minnesota athletes have excelled on the Olympic stage with record-breaking performances and inspiring achievements," said Governor Walz. "I am immensely proud of the passionate, hard-working, determined individuals who will be representing Minnesota in the Paris Olympics. Regardless of the hardware brought home, Minnesota has a lot to celebrate this Olympic season."
 
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