 Governor Walz signed multiple budget and policy bills passed in the 2025 session, including a bill that will boost pensions for Minnesota teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
“Minnesota is a state that values the hard work and contributions of public servants like our teachers, police officers, and firefighters. The bipartisan work that went into this bill will ensure these middle-class families are treated in retirement with the dignity and respect that they’ve earned,” said Governor Walz. “This bill is fulfilling our commitment to ensure those who have committed their life to public service can retire with economic security.”
 As wildfires continue to burn across the state, Governor Walz declared a peacetime emergency and directed state agencies to provide the assistance necessary to help respond to and recover from the wildfires that have caused significant destruction to property and critical infrastructure.
“We will continue to deploy every possible resource to respond to the wildfires that are burning across Northern Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “I’m grateful for the tireless work and coordinated response from emergency management officials, first responders, wildland firefighters, and law enforcement to keep Minnesotans safe. We will continue working alongside these frontline responders as they protect life and property.”
This order will further support wildland firefighters and emergency responders, and it comes as the Jenkins Creek, Camp House, and Munger Shaw wildfires remain active. As fire departments, law enforcement, and state and federal wildland firefighting agencies work together to respond to these fires, additional resources will be needed to address the ongoing threats from these wildfires.
Congressional Republicans’ “One Big Beautiful Bill” would result in Minnesota losing $500 million annually from Medicaid, over $100 million in enhanced tax credits for MNsure enrollees, and $244 million annually in food support. Tens of thousands of Minnesotans’ access to health care and nutrition would be compromised because of this bill.
“Republicans in Congress are taking away Americans’ ability to go to the doctor and put food on the table in order to give a tax cuts to billionaires,” said Governor Walz. “Make no mistake: The state will not be able to compensate for the hundreds of millions in federal funding we are going to lose if these cuts are enacted. The victims of this legislation will be families, children, veterans, rural Americans, and pregnant moms. I expect Minnesota’s congressional republicans to reject this bill.”
Earlier this spring Governor Walz and state officials conducted a series of statewide roundtables highlighting proposed federal health care cuts. From late March through late April, the state convened seven roundtable discussions connecting with people across Minnesota to discuss significant damage to Medicaid and health care funding if Congress moves forward with proposed cuts.
Governor Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 26, 2025, in honor of those who have died while serving in the United States military.
“On Memorial Day we honor the brave service members who have given their lives for our great nation,” said Governor Walz. “The sacrifice of those who defend our freedom and democracy cannot be repaid; as we work toward peace, let us never forget those who have served on our behalf.”
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags.
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