Friday, April 1, 2022
Governor Walz Signs Bill to End State Investments in Russia
Governor Walz signed a bipartisan bill into law on Friday to condemn Russian aggression against Ukraine and support the people of Ukraine by requiring that the state end its investments in Russia and Belarus and refrain from doing businesses with entities from those countries.
Governor Walz Flies Ukrainian Flag at Residence in Solidarity with Ukraine
To commemorate the bill signing, Governor Walz raised the Ukrainian flag on Friday at the Governor's residence to show that Minnesotans continue to stand firmly with the Ukrainian community in Minnesota and abroad.
Governor Walz Signs Bill Investing in ALS Research, Caregiver Support
Governor Walz joined Senator David Tomassoni and family, a bipartisan group of legislators, and ALS research advocates to sign into law $25 million for ALS research and caregiver support programs.
“Today our state is making real progress in the fight against ALS,” said Governor Walz. “I’m proud to join Senator David Tomassoni, a bipartisan group of legislators, and advocates who have worked tirelessly to pass this bill for Minnesotans living with ALS and their caregivers. By investing in ALS research and caregiver support, we are moving together toward finding a cure for this disease and better caring for Minnesotans living with ALS and their families.”
Minnesota Secures USDA Emergency Response Team to Support the State’s Response to Avian Influenza
Governor Walz announced on Monday the activation of a U.S. Department of Agriculture emergency response team in Minnesota to support the state’s disease control and containment efforts of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which poses a low risk to humans but is currently confirmed in three poultry flocks in Minnesota.
“Armed with years of preparation for this incident, our state’s Agricultural Incident Management Team is working quickly and decisively to respond to the cases of H5N1 in Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “Within hours of the first confirmed cases, our Board of Animal Health requested emergency support from the USDA. These federal partners will bring targeted expertise to contain this virus and ensure that our state’s poultry industry remains the strongest in the nation.”
Governor Walz Signs Executive Order to Help Fight the Spread of Avian Influenza
Along with the help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Governor Walz signed an Executive Order that waives trucking regulations to help fight the spread of avian influenza and mitigate the risk to Minnesota’s poultry industry. The Executive Order is part of the continued efforts to control and contain H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Minnesota.
“As someone who grew up on a family farm, I know the work our farmers and producers do is tough under the very best conditions. We will continue to work with Minnesota’s poultry industry and our federal partners to quickly and decisively respond to the HPAI cases in Minnesota and ensure our poultry industry remains strong,” said Governor Walz.
Governor Walz Announces New Online Program to Provide At-Home Rapid COVID-19 Tests to Minnesotans
Governor Walz announced on Monday a new program that will allow Minnesotans to order free rapid COVID-19 tests online for delivery directly to their homes. Minnesotans can request two test kits, or four total tests, per household.
“Our goal has always been to ensure that when Minnesotans need a test, they can get one quickly and easily,” said Governor Walz. “Even as case numbers decline, it’s important that Minnesotans test for COVID-19 if they are feeling sick. That’s why we’re continuing to work to make tests easily accessible – now and in the future.”
State of Minnesota Surpasses Goal of Recruiting 1,000 Certified Nursing Assistants
With long-term care facilities and veterans homes facing staffing shortages throughout the state, Governor Walz set a goal to recruit and train 1,000 new certified nursing assistants (CNAs) through the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative. On Tuesday, Governor Walz joined CNAs and other health care professionals at St. Paul College to announce that the initiative has surpassed his goal.
Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Attends NLGA Federal-State Relations Meeting
Lieutenant Governor Flanagan joined Lieutenant Governors from across the country on Wednesday for the National Lieutenant Governors Association Federal-State Relations Meeting. During the meeting, Lieutenant Governors shared what they were doing in their states and territories.
Governor Walz Applauds $75.5 Million Federal Investment in Rural Water Infrastructure
On Friday, Governor Walz applauded the U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision to award $75.5 million in funding for the construction of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between communities in Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota to provide safe and clean drinking water to 300,000 people. Governor Walz has advocated for the completion of the project since his time in Congress.
“It’s imperative that all Minnesotans have access to clean drinking water. Between my Local Jobs and Projects Plan and federal investments like this, we are making major improvements to Minnesota’s water infrastructure,” said Governor Walz. “I’ve been a proud supporter the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System since my time in Congress, and I’m glad to see this project moving forward.”
Social Media Post of the Week
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM