View as a webpage / Share [ [link removed] ]








________________________________________________________________________



Saturday December 13, 2025

________________________________________________________________________


Governor Walz Weekly Briefing
________________________________________________________________________



Governor Walz Announces Tim O’Malley to Serve as Director of Program Integrity

________________________________________________________________________


Governor Walz speaks to press at the State Capitol

Governor Walz announced that Tim O’Malley will join the state as Director of Program Integrity. A judge, former superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, former FBI agent, and reformer in the archdiocese, O’Malley will work across state government to strengthen fraud prevention and protect taxpayer dollars. Governor Walz also announced a state partnership with third party experts at WayPoint to implement a statewide fraud prevention program.

*“I’m proud to announce that Tim O’Malley is joining our team to lead the charge in fighting fraud against Minnesota taxpayers. Today we are building on the work of the last several years and strengthening Minnesota’s defenses against fraud,” *said Governor Walz.* “If you commit fraud in Minnesota, you will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”*

*“I’m honored to have been asked by the Governor to assist with combating fraud. But know that I’m not here to serve the governor or any individual person or political party. I’m here to serve the people of Minnesota,” *said Judge O’Malley. *“Years ago, I served our state through an appointment under Governor Tim Pawlenty, and now I welcome the opportunity to serve under Governor Walz. No one has any tolerance for fraud. This issue must be addressed aggressively. Minnesotans must have trust in our public institutions.” *

The appointment of Tim O’Malley follows numerous actions taken by the state [ [link removed] ] over the last several years to detect and prevent fraud. Through executive action, bipartisan efforts at the state legislature, and collaboration with state agencies and outside experts, Governor Walz has and continues to take action [ [link removed] ] to identify fraud and hold accountable those who illegally take advantage of state programs designed to help Minnesota’s most vulnerable populations.

Read the Governor's op-ed [ [link removed] ] for more.

________________________________________________________________________



Governor Walz Sends Letter to Secretary Noem After U.S. Citizens Unconstitutionally Detained During ICE Operations

________________________________________________________________________



Governor Walz sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem urging her to review and respond to multiple arrests of United States citizens by federal agents during U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minneapolis.

*“This series of incidents raises serious concerns about civil liberties and trust between Minnesota communities and federal authorities,”* said Governor Walz. *“Minnesotans have long valued civic engagement, and detaining citizens for lawfully exercising those rights or going about their daily lives sends a deeply disturbing message. I am urging Secretary Noem to respect the constitution and for her administration to ensure that federal operations are conducted lawfully and with respect for the rights of all individuals.”*

According to reports, some citizens were asked to move back from the scene of ICE operations. When they declined, they were physically pushed, handcuffed, transported to federal facilities, and held in isolation for hours. In other instances, citizens walking through their neighborhoods were chased, tackled, handcuffed, and detained despite repeatedly stating that they are U.S. citizens and offering to show identification.

In his letter, Governor Walz called on Secretary Noem to immediately review these arrests, place any federal agents who acted unlawfully on administrative leave, clarify the legal standard under which citizen observers may document the overly aggressive enforcement tactics being deployed by ICE, ensure ICE agents in Minnesota receive guidance on respecting the civil rights of U.S. citizens and residents, and reassess the broader “surge” enforcement strategy.

The Governor encourages Minnesotans to continue exercising their rights safely and lawfully. Residents are urged to remain calm, avoid escalation, and when it is safe and lawful, record and document interactions with federal enforcement. Observing and recording from a safe distance supports transparency and helps hold ICE accountable.

A copy of the Governor's letter is available _here. [ [link removed] ]_

________________________________________________________________________



Governor Walz Highlights Improvements in Student Health and Wellbeing

________________________________________________________________________



Governor Walz highlighted improvements in student health and wellbeing, as demonstrated in the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey. Survey results indicate the reversal of a decades long trend of declining student mental health, reflecting the impact of targeted state investments in children and families, including historic investments in education.

*“When we invest in our schools and our students’ wellbeing, they’re more likely to succeed. It’s common sense,”* said Governor Walz. *“By providing free school meals, funding teacher training, and expanding mental health resources, we’re tackling the problems that hold students back and creating a network of support that will help our students stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn.”*

________________________________________________________________________



ICYMI: Governor Walz Highlights Paid Leave Program at Marty's Deli

________________________________________________________________________


Governor Walz highlights Paid Leave at Marty's Deli

Last week, Governor Walz visited Marty’s Deli to discuss Minnesota’s Paid Leave program. Parents who welcomed a child in 2025 can now 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.”**

________________________________________________________________________



Social Media Post of the Week

________________________________________________________________________


Governor Walz hosts athletes and volunteers ahead of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games [ [link removed] ]
________________________________________________________________________








*Stay Updated with the Office of Governor Walz*
facebook [ [link removed] ] twitter [ [link removed] ] Threads [ [link removed] ]
Blue Sky [ [link removed] ]
instagram [ [link removed] ] youtube [ [link removed] ] flickr [ [link removed] ]


Please do not respond to this e-mail. Contact the Governor's Office [ [link removed] ]

  SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

_Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]_ |  _Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]_  |  _Help [ [link removed] ]_


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of the Office of the Governor · 130 State Capitol · 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. · Saint Paul, MN 55155 · 800-657-3717
GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]