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Saturday January 3, 2026
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Governor Walz Weekly Briefing
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Minnesota Launches Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
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Governor Walz highlighted the state’s new paid family and medical leave program, which officially began on January 1. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that 11,883 Minnesotans have submitted applications as of Friday morning, and DEED has completed reviewing 6,393 applications.
*“No one should have to rush back to work days after welcoming a baby or ignore a health scare because they can’t afford to miss a paycheck,”* said Governor Walz.* “Paid Leave strengthens families, supports employers, and makes Minnesota an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”*
*“Receiving nearly 12,000 early Paid Leave applications shows just how motivated people are to engage with this new program,”* said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek*. “Our website is managing traffic well and our contact center team is prepared to answer questions from Minnesotans who need assistance. We’re proud and excited to implement this program for Minnesota.” *
Paid Leave guarantees eligible workers up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave to welcome a new baby, care for a loved one, or manage their own medical needs. Workers needing both family and medical leave in the same benefit year may take up to 20 weeks total. Minnesota is now one of 13 states with a statewide program, marking a historic expansion of support for families. Research shows paid leave supports child development and benefits employers by improving retention, morale, and productivity. A survey this summer found that 72% of Minnesotans support the program.
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Governor Walz Celebrates Completion of New Ulm National Guard Readiness Center
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Governor Walz cuts the ribbon on new National Guard Readiness Center
Governor Walz joined Minnesota National Guard leadership for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the New Ulm National Guard Readiness Center.
*“This readiness center is more than a building,” *said Governor Walz. *“It’s where Guard members maintain the skills needed to protect our communities and respond wherever they’re called. I served out of the old site myself and know this upgrade was much needed. The men and women of the 125th will be better equipped to respond, and this facility ensures they’re ready for whatever comes next.”*
The 40,374-square-foot facility began construction in April 2024 and will support training, readiness, and state and federal missions for the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery Regiment. The readiness center will house approximately 20 full-time staff and 240 traditional drilling Soldiers, serving as a hub for training, coordination, and emergency response.
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ICYMI: Governor Walz Stands with Community Leaders to Address Increased Federal ICE Activity and Reaffirm Minnesota’s Commitment to Public Safety
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Governor Walz Stands with Community Leaders to Address Increased Federal ICE Activity
Governor Walz joined faith leaders, mayors, public safety officials, and community advocates at Shiloh Temple International Ministries to address increased federal immigration enforcement activity in the Twin Cities and reaffirm Minnesota’s commitment to public safety, dignity, and community trust.
*“Minnesota takes public safety seriously,”* said Governor Walz.* “Public safety is strongest when law enforcement can focus on real threats and when communities trust that they will be treated fairly and with dignity. What we are seeing from the Trump Administration is not about safety – it is political theater that creates fear and weakens trust.”*
Governor Walz emphasized that while immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, recent ICE operations in Minnesota have been marked by a lack of coordination, professionalism, and communication from the Trump Administration and the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Krisit Noem.
That lack of coordination has extended to basic operational standards. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has raised concerns to the Department of Homeland Security about the improper use of Minnesota license plates on unmarked federal vehicles, including reports of plates being swapped. State officials made clear that this conduct violates Minnesota law, puts officers at risk, and must stop immediately.
In recent weeks, the Governor has repeatedly pressed federal officials [ [link removed] ] for answers following incidents in which U.S. citizens were detained during ICE operations in Minnesota. The administration continues to monitor federal activity closely, engage with community leaders, and evaluate additional steps to ensure federal operations comply with Minnesota law and constitutional protections
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Social Media Post of the Week
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Governor Walz condemns HHS decision to freeze child care payments to Minnesota [ [link removed] ]
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