Updates from the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan



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Friday, July 1, 2022
Governor Walz Weekly Briefing ________________________________________________________________________

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Vow to Protect Reproductive Rights in Minnesota
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Last week, Governor Walz released the following statement following Friday's Supreme Court decision:

*"Let me be very clear: This ruling changes nothing in Minnesota today, tomorrow, or as long as I am governor. We will not turn back the clock on reproductive rights.?*

*"Minnesotans deserve to decide for themselves when to make the most important decision of their lives ? whether or not to become a parent. Today, that fundamental right to personal freedom and privacy ? a right that we have held for half a century ? was overturned.?*

*"I know Minnesotans share the fear and pain people across the country are feeling. But we never back down from a challenge. Today and every day, I stand with Minnesotans in the fight to protect access to reproductive health care and abortion."*

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan released the following statement:?

*"In Minnesota, your reproductive rights will stay protected. And I promise: As long as we need to come together to stand up for our rights, I will stand with you.*

*"This fight is not just about those of us who have grown up under the protection of Roe v Wade ? this is about our children, our LGBTQ+ youth, and all those whose access to abortion and reproductive health has been taken away. Abortion is health care. Period.*

*"Access to abortion and reproductive health care is about economic and racial justice. Access to abortion is about ensuring Minnesotans can make their own choices and build their own futures. As long as Governor Walz and?I are in office, we will protect this fundamental right."*

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Governor Walz Takes Executive Action to Protect Reproductive Health Care in Minnesota
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Roe v Wade Protections

Governor Tim Walz took executive action to protect reproductive health care services in Minnesota. Under the Minnesota Constitution, abortion remains legal in Minnesota, but Minnesota?s neighboring states are expected to severely restrict the reproductive freedom. Executive Order 22-16 will help protect people seeking or providing abortions in Minnesota from laws in other states

To the maximum extent permitted under the United States and Minnesota Constitutions and Minnesota law, the Governor will decline to honor requests to extradite individuals who are accused of committing acts related to reproductive health care that are not criminal offenses in Minnesota.

Executive Order 22-16 also orders state agencies to work to protect Minnesotans providing, seeking, or obtaining lawful reproductive health care services to the fullest extent of their lawful authority. Except when required to do so by law, state agencies must not assist other states in attempts to seek civil, criminal, or professional sanctions against anyone who provides, seeks, or obtains health care services that are legal in Minnesota.

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Governor Walz Taps Federal Funds For Public Safety, Gun Violence Prevention
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Public Safety Funding

On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced the state is putting Minnesotan children and families first by investing millions in federal funding toward public safety and commonsense gun violence prevention.

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Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Celebrate Twin Cities Pride
Twin Cities Pride

On Sunday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan attended Twin Cities Pride to celebrate Minnesota?s LGBTQ+ community.

*?It?s our job to ensure our LGBTQ+ neighbors are safe and valued ? and that means protecting fundamental rights like reproductive health care and the freedom to marry who you love,?* said Governor Walz. *?As we celebrate Pride this weekend, I can assure you we will always stand with you in these fights.?*

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Governor Walz Celebrates $150 Million Investment in Iron Range Economy
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On Wednesday, Governor Walz celebrated news that U.S. Steel is making a $150 million investment in the Iron Range with a new taconite facility that is expected to create a significant number of full-time and construction jobs.

*?This is good news for the Iron Range. Minnesota?s steel industry exemplifies who we are as a state ? it is baked into our culture and history,?*?said Governor Walz.?*?I?m proud to support this major investment in a nation-leading sector of our economy, and I look forward to working with our local and federal partners to continue innovating, diversifying, and expanding Northern Minnesota?s economy.?*

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Minnesota Test-to-Treat Sites Add On-Site Paxlovid Distribution
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On-Site COVID-19 Treatment

Governor Walz announced that this week, Minnesota?s state-run test-to-treat sites will now distribute COVID-19 treatments on-site ? a one-stop-shop for Minnesotans who feel sick, need a test, and qualify for treatment.

The testing, evaluation by a clinician, and prescriptions themselves will continue to come at no cost to Minnesotans. The prescription medications will be available at the St. Paul-Midway community testing site and at test-to-treat sites in Moorhead, Brooklyn Park, Duluth and MSP Airport on Wednesday, June 29. Find operating hours, locations, and appointments at?COVID-19 Community Testing Sites [ [link removed] ].

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Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Visit Foley Farm to Celebrate Bipartisan Agriculture Accomplishments
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Agriculture Bill

On Friday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited a dairy farm in Foley, Minnesota to celebrate bipartisan agriculture accomplishments that passed this legislative session. The Governor ceremonially signed the agriculture bill, which provides drought relief, investments in broadband, and support for agricultural programs. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan were joined by farmers, legislators, leaders in Minnesota?s agriculture industry, and Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson.

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Walz, McCollum Celebrate First-Ever Funding Program Dedicated to Reconnecting Communities
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Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum applauded the?U.S. Department of Transportation announcement [ [link removed] ]?to invest $1 billion in reconnecting communities across the country that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure.

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Governor Walz Authorizes State Disaster Assistance for Winona County
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Governor Walz authorized emergency assistance for Winona County for damage sustained due to heavy rain on May 19, 2022.

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Social Media Post of the Week
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