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Saturday September 20, 2025
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Governor Walz Weekly Briefing
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Governor Walz Announces 151 Million School Meals Served in Second Year of Minnesota Free School Meals Program
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Governor Walz greets students in the lunchroom at Pine Bend Elementary
Governor Walz announced that Minnesota schools served over 151 million free meals to students through the Minnesota Free School Meals Program in its second year, saving families an average of $1,000 per student per year.
*“As a former teacher, I know just how important it is for kids to show up to school ready to learn,” *said Governor Walz. *“Giving every child a meal at school allows those students to be healthy and prepared for the classroom, but it also helps families manage their budgets and morning routines. Students should be able to focus on the classroom, not on where their next meal will come from. ”*
Governor Walz greets students in the lunchroom at Pine Bend Elementary
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Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Earns AAA Rating from All Three Credit Rating Agencies for Fourth Consecutive Year
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On Monday, Governor Walz announced that Moody’s Investors Service, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch Group have once again affirmed Minnesota’s AAA credit rating, the agencies’ highest possible mark. This is the fourth consecutive year all three rating agencies have provided a AAA bond rating for Minnesota, underscoring strong confidence in the state’s fiscal management, stable economic outlook, and responsible budgeting practices.
*“While actions at the federal level are creating red flags for the U.S. economy, America’s top rating agencies have once again signaled their support for the responsible financial decisions we are making here in Minnesota,”* said Governor Walz. *“These ratings are a testament to the strength of Minnesota’s economy and our commitment to responsible financial stewardship. By balancing budgets, protecting reserves, and investing in the future, we’ve maintained one of the strongest financial positions in the nation.”*
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Governor Walz Issues Executive Order Directing State Agencies to Take Additional Steps to Continue Combating Fraud
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On Wednesday, Governor Walz issued an executive order [ [link removed] ] directing state agencies to intensify efforts to prevent, detect, and combat fraud across Minnesota government programs. The order leverages new data sharing laws passed in the 2025 legislative session and builds on significant steps already taken to safeguard public dollars and ensure resources are directed to Minnesotans who need them most.
*“We have no tolerance for fraud in the State of Minnesota,”* said Governor Walz.* “Abuse of taxpayer dollars takes resources away from the people who need them most. If you commit fraud in Minnesota, you will be prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. While we will continue to urge the legislature to take further action, this executive order gives our agencies additional tools to safeguard taxpayer dollars.”*
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ICYMI: Minnesota Will Continue to Safeguard Vaccine Access
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Last week, Governor Walz issued an executive order [ [link removed] ] directing the Minnesota Department of Health to expand its efforts to safeguard vaccine access in Minnesota in response to federal actions restricting vaccine availability at the federal level. The executive order also directs the state epidemiologist to issue a standing order for the COVID-19 vaccine, which would provide greater flexibility for health care providers and pharmacists to provide the vaccine.
*“Vaccines are one of the greatest public health achievements in modern medicine,”* said Governor Walz. *“While the Trump Administration attempts to limit Americans’ access to preventative care, Minnesota will be guided by science and medical expertise, prioritizing the health and safety of our people.”*
The executive order follows moves by United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to change recommendations to limit vaccine access; upend years of vaccine research; and throw the Centers for Disease Control leadership into chaos.
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Social Media Post of the Week
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Governor Walz talks with Minnesotans at the State Fair [ [link removed] ]
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