Governor Walz signed a bill into law providing free school breakfast and lunch for? Minnesota students. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor were joined by legislators, students, and advocates at Webster Elementary in Northeast Minneapolis to celebrate the bill signing.
?As a former teacher, I know that providing free breakfast and lunch for our students is one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support Minnesota?s working families, and care for our young learners and the future of our state,? said Governor Walz. ?This bill puts us one step closer to making Minnesota the best state for kids to grow up, and I am grateful to all of the legislators and advocates for making it happen.?
?As someone who grew up with a different colored lunch ticket, I know that there are too many children who go hungry at school and experience shame in the lunchroom,? said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. ?By providing free breakfast and lunch to all students, we are removing stigma in the lunchroom, helping family pocketbooks, investing in the health and well-being of our children, and ensuring that no student goes hungry for any reason. Today is a really good day for our students and families.?
This week, Governor Walz signed a bill into law that will crack down on catalytic converter theft.?
??Too many Minnesotans have stories about the danger and financial consequences of having their catalytic converter stolen. This legislation will help protect Minnesotans? property and bring peace of mind. Those who commit these brazen crimes should know that there will be accountability,? said Governor Walz.
Since 1978, federal law has recognized that Native children have a right to their culture, language, and Tribal identities. Now that Governor Walz signed the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act into law, Minnesota has added another layer of protection for Native families.
?Minnesota?s Native American children and families need to have the highest level of protection to prevent unnecessary removals and separation,? said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. ?Today is a joyful day knowing that, through the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, our children?s rights to access their own culture, language, and family will have another layer of protection beyond the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act here in Minnesota.?
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced that they have nearly doubled their public safety plan, bringing the total to $550 million to support local governments with public safety. Their revised budget also includes an increase in Local Government Aid, $240 million to replace lead service lines, and a $2,500 tax credit for consumers who purchase electric vehicles.
?By investing in local public safety across the state, this budget laser-focuses on ensuring Minnesotans feel safe in their homes, at their schools, and in their communities,? said Governor Walz. ?With a diverse and growing economy, we have an opportunity to make investments that will improve the health and safety of Minnesotans in every neighborhood, in every community across the state. Let?s get this done.????
?By making historic investments in public safety, clean drinking water, opioid and substance use disorder recovery, and workforce development, the One Minnesota Budget lays clear how government can and should improve the lives of the communities and people it serves,? said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. ?At its core, our revised budget strengthens our ability to support safe and vibrant communities in every part of our state. I am energized by the opportunity to get this done for Minnesotans.???
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrated Small Business Development Centers Day in Minnesota on March 15, recognizing the integral role Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) play in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed.
?Small businesses are at the heart of Minnesota?s economy, and we want to see each of them thrive,? said Governor Walz. ?Our budget will build on Minnesota?s strong economy and invest in small businesses across the state so that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.?
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