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Saturday December 6, 2025

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Governor Walz Weekly Briefing
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One Month Out from Start of Minnesota’s Paid Family Leave Program, Governor Walz Discusses at Small Business

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Governor Walz highlights Paid Leave at Marty's Delo

Governor Walz visited Marty’s Deli to discuss Minnesota’s Paid Leave program, one month out from the start of the program. As of December 3, parents who welcomed a child in 2025 can apply for Paid Leave, an important step as the full program prepares to launch statewide on January 1, 2026. 

*“Quality of life is something we take seriously in Minnesota,” *said Governor Walz.* “This has long been one of the best places to live, but too many parents and caregivers have faced an impossible choice between their job and their family. Paid Leave gives Minnesotans the security to welcome a child or care for a loved one without risking their income — a smart, effective policy that strengthens families, improves retention, and supports small businesses.”*

*“When I moved back here five years ago, a big part of what drew me home to Minnesota was my family and the culture of care and community here,” *said Martha Polacek, owner of Marty’s Deli.* “As a small business owner, I couldn’t afford a benefit like this on my own. I am so grateful to be able to take Paid Leave in these irreplaceable first months with my newborn, and to be able to offer the same support to my team when they need it.”*

Governor Walz speaks to press at Marty's Deli
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Governor Walz Statement on November Budget and Economic Forecast

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Governor Walz speaks to press during a presentation on the state budget forecast

Governor Walz released the following statement on the State of Minnesota’s November Budget and Economic Forecast issued by Minnesota Management and Budget:

*“Despite the President’s tariffs and destabilization of health care costs, Minnesota’s annual budget forecast has improved in both the short and long term thanks to the responsible budgeting we’ve done in Minnesota.*

*“Today’s snapshot does show uncertainty. I don’t think that’s any surprise to Minnesotans who have seen impacts on their own family budgets: It’s no surprise to anyone who has looked at their health care premiums for next year. It’s no surprise to anyone who has gone out to buy anything from a new car to a cup of coffee and seen a new tariff reflected on their bill.*

*“But in Minnesota, we know how to balance a budget. It’s what we’ve done for the last seven years, and it’s what we’ll continue to do. We’re standing on a solid foundation, and we have the tools to continue managing a budget that makes Minnesota a great place to live.”*

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ICYMI: Governor Walz Orders Third-Party Audit of Medicaid Billing at DHS

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In October, Governor Walz announced that he has ordered a third-party audit of billing for 14 high-risk Medicaid services. Payments for these programs will be paused for up to 90 days in order to detect suspicious billing activity and scrutinize the use of public funds. 

“*We cannot effectively deliver programs and services if they don’t have the backing of the public’s trust. In order to restore that trust we are pumping the brakes on 14 programs that were created to help the most disadvantaged among us, yet have become the target of criminal activity,*” said Governor Walz. *“If you attempt to defraud our public programs and steal taxpayer dollars out from under the people who need them most – you will be stopped, and you will be held accountable.”* 

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ICYMI: Minnesota Will Continue to Safeguard Vaccine Access

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In September, 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.”*

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Social Media Post of the Week

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Governor Walz reacts to President Trump's comments targeting Minnesota's Somali community [ [link removed] ]
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