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Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz Weekly Briefing - March 3, 2023

Government and Politics

March 6, 2023

From: Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz

Governor Walz Signs Bill Expanding Voting Rights to 55,000 Minnesotans

Governor Walz signed into law the largest expansion of voting rights in Minnesota in a half century. The law restores voting rights for over 55,000 formerly incarcerated people in Minnesota. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrated the bill alongside legislators, faith, labor, and community advocates.

Governor Walz Signs Bill Providing Emergency Food Shelf Funding

As Minnesota food shelves see an increase in demand, Governor Walz signed into law $5 million in emergency funding to food shelves.

“Minnesota’s food shelves play an essential role in helping Minnesotans feed their families and ease rising food costs,” said Governor Walz. “As we continue to work to lower costs and make life easier for Minnesotans, this funding will allow food shelves to continue to help working families put food on the table.”

“With this bill, we have the opportunity to help thousands of Minnesotans struggling with food security,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “As more Minnesotans look to food shelves to make ends meet, this bill provides critical support to food shelves across the state and helps Minnesota’s working families and their children thrive. Because without full stomachs, Minnesotans cannot work, learn, and grow.”

Governor Walz Statement on Eli Lilly Capping the Cost of Insulin

After years of calling on pharmaceutical manufacturers to address the skyrocketing cost of insulin, Governor Walz released a statement on Eli Lilly’s decision to cap the monthly out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35.

“This decision is long overdue but welcome news for Minnesotans. Three years ago, I signed the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act into law to provide relief to Minnesotans struggling to afford their insulin and called on Big Pharma to follow our state’s lead,” said Governor Walz. “Today, Eli Lilly is doing the right thing – no one should be priced out of life-saving medicine.”

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Celebrate Thriving State Economy, February Economic Forecast

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrated the news that Minnesota’s surplus remains stable and the economy continues to grow.

“This is great news for Minnesota and a sign that our economy is strong and growing,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesota continues to have a record-low unemployment rate, one of the most diverse economies in the nation, and is on a path to be the best state in the country to raise a family. Our One Minnesota Budget and today’s forecast outline the historic opportunities we have to invest in education, children, health and safety while lowering costs, cutting taxes, and sending checks to Minnesotans across the state. I look forward to continuing this growth and ensuring every Minnesotan benefits from our thriving economy.”

"Minnesota’s economy is strong because of our working families. With our steady budget surplus, we’ve already started working to lower costs and provide relief – all while making strategic and equitable investments in child care, education, affordable housing, and so much more," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.