Governor Walz Statement on Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas

Governor Walz reacted to the Robb Elementary shooting in Uvalde, Texas on Twitter.

“I am watching the news coming out of Texas in horror. This cannot continue. Minnesota grieves with the parents and families of every child who was shot and killed in Uvalde on May 26th.”

On Tuesday, Governor Walz directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff effective until sunset on Saturday, May 28 to honor the victims of the Robb Elementary shooting. 

“As we mourn the loss of the victims of this senseless act of violence, we know the pain we experience as a nation is only amplified for the friends and families of the victims,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “We join states across the nation to remember and honor the victims whose lives were senselessly lost.”

Governor Walz on the Second Anniversary of George Floyd's Death

Governor Walz proclaimed May 25 as George Floyd Remembrance Day in Minnesota. He added the following statement.

“On May 26th, is George Floyd Remembrance Day in the state of Minnesota. True justice for George Floyd will come only through real, systemic change. Every member of every community should be safe, valued, and protected. We must continue to do everything in our power to come together to deconstruct and undo generations of systemic racism in our state.”

Governor Walz Signs 23 Bills Into Law

On Sunday evening, Governor Walz signed 23 bills into law including the ‘Free the Growler’ bill which expands Minnesota liquor laws and a bill that authorizes enlistment and reenlistment bonuses to National Guard service members.

Governor Walz on the ‘Free the Growler’ bill:

“I am proud to live in a state with so many locally owned breweries and distilleries,” said Governor Walz. “Every Minnesota business—big or small—deserves the opportunity to succeed. The pandemic has pushed us to think creatively when it comes to the food and beverage industry, and this bill provides more opportunities for these businesses to thrive. This bill is one way we can support Minnesota’s local breweries and distilleries.”

Governor Walz on the bill authorizing enlistment and reenlistment bonuses to service members:

“As a 24-year veteran of the National Guard, I am proud to sign this bill supporting those who have served,” said Governor Walz. “Our Minnesota National Guard has been especially busy in recent years serving in support of both their state and their nation. Minnesotans are grateful for their service, and this legislation will help reward more service members for their continued commitment and service. ”

Governor Walz on the 21 other bills:

“I am proud of the diverse array of legislation that came to my desk on May 26th,” said Governor Walz. “All of these new laws will improve the lives of Minnesotans across the state, including our students. The legislation I signed on May 26th, on student data privacy will ensure that our students and their parents can focus on what matters—their education—without their private information being shared without permission.”

“Minnesota’s outstanding natural resources—our lakes, prairies, and forests—are the pride of our state and define who we are,” continued Governor Walz. “The funding recommendations made by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and passed by the Legislature will protect our natural resources for generations to come.”

Governor Walz Signs Agriculture Omnibus Bill

On Thursday, Governor Walz signed into law the agriculture omnibus bill, providing drought relief, investments in broadband, and support for agricultural programs including the Agricultural Emergency Account, the Bioincentive Program, and the Emerging Farmers Working Group.

“As farmers grapple with extreme weather, costs of modernization, and unforeseen events like avian influenza, this bipartisan bill helps to address some of the most urgent issues facing our agricultural producers,” said Governor Walz. “I am proud that we can come together and make investments in supporting farmers through the issues of on May 26th, while also investing in the future of the agriculture.”

Enhancing our Workforce

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are committed to ensuring all working Minnesotans earn a family-sustaining income. State licensing boards are an important part of ensuring a just, safe, and thriving working environment across multiple professions. Boards and commissions make impactful decisions on the licensure, regulation, and required education for workers, which can affect the working conditions of everyday Minnesotans and their access to these professions. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are seeking applicants who are dedicated to working toward a more equitable workforce. Please consider applying and sharing these opportunities with your family, friends, and networks.

Please find more information on some of these vacancies below:

Minnesotans are encouraged to apply for appointment to these important positions. Please find more information on other workforce-related boards and commissions below.

Minnesota Board of Social Work

Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design

Board of Cosmetologist Examiners

Board of Nursing

Board of Optometry

Board of Occupational Therapy Practice

Board of Physical Therapy

Board of Psychology

Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training

Board of Pharmacy