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Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz Weekly Briefing - January 20, 2023

Government and Politics

January 23, 2023

From: Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Budget to Make Minnesota the Best State in the Country for Kids

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced a series of proposals to make Minnesota the best state in the country for kids. The first of four packages within their One Minnesota Budget, this $12 billion proposal would lower the cost of child care for middle-class families, reduce child poverty by expanding tax credits for families who need help the most, and make the largest investment in public education in state history. The Governor’s education plan will provide universal school meals for students and expand access to special education and mental health resources. 

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Budget to Invest in Minnesota’s Economic Future

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan also announced a series of proposals to invest in Minnesota’s economic future. The second of four packages within their One Minnesota Budget, this $4.1 billion proposal would provide paid family and medical leave for Minnesota’s workers, bolster support for small businesses, and expand Minnesota’s workforce in the most critical sectors. The One Minnesota Budget includes climate proposals which expand Minnesota’s clean energy economy and reduce climate impacts for future generations. The Governor’s agriculture budget, which is over $100 million, will support local farmers and producers grow their businesses while expanding the state’s biofuels infrastructure, building soil heath, and supporting new and emerging farmers.

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Join HHS Secretary Becerra to Discuss Action to Protect Reproductive Freedom in Minnesota

This week, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan joined U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to discuss discuss the Protect Reproductive Options Act (PRO Act) ahead of the House floor debate and vote.

"Politicians across the nation have turned back the clock on reproductive rights. But here in Minnesota, we trust people to make their own decisions about their health care. I’m ready to sign the PRO Act and codify reproductive freedom into law," said Governor Walz. 

"Minnesotans voted to ensure their reproductive rights and access to abortion care stay protected—and through the PRO Act, that’s exactly what we’re going to do,"  said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. 

In Case You Missed It: Governor Walz Signs Bipartisan Bill to Provide $100 Million in Tax Cuts for Minnesotans

Last week, Governor Walz signed bipartisan legislation, passed within days of the legislative session kicking off, providing $100 million in tax cuts to Minnesota students, families, and businesses.

“This bipartisan legislation will make tax filing easier and provide direct relief to students and businesses across Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “We are working swiftly and collaboratively to deliver on things that will lower costs and provide relief for families. I’m grateful to our partners in the legislature who wasted no time getting this done for Minnesota.”