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Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz Weekly Briefing - November 18, 2022

Government and Politics

November 22, 2022

From: Minnesota Governor Timothy James Walz

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce Over $20 Million For Economic Development in Greater Minnesota

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced over $20 million for economic development across Greater Minnesota. The Small Cities Development Program grants will be used for critical infrastructure projects in 34 cities, townships, and counties.

“By investing in local jobs and projects from St. Peter to Swanville, we’re working to make Minnesota the best state to raise a family – no matter where you live,” said Governor Walz. 

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Celebrate Minnesota Job Growth Outpacing the Nation

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrated new job numbers that show Minnesota created nearly 17,400 new jobs in October, marking 13 straight months of job growth in Minnesota. The job numbers also show that Minnesota's unemployment rate remains historically low at 2.1%. 

Governor Walz Celebrates Groundbreaking of North Minneapolis Community Center

Governor Walz celebrated the groundbreaking of a new community center in North Minneapolis. Funding for the construction was included in the Governor’s proposed 2022 Local Jobs and Projects Plan.

Walz, Flanagan Thank Cabinet for Service to Minnesota

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced cabinet vacancies and reappointments for their second term. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor thanked the entire Walz-Flanagan cabinet for their dedication and contribution to the lives of Minnesotans over the past four years. 

“I’m grateful to our entire cabinet for their years of service to Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “Together, we made historic investments in education, achieved the lowest unemployment rate of any state in history, and protected the health and safety of Minnesotans. I look forward to building the team that will help us kick off our second term.”

Individuals wishing to apply for positions in the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s cabinet can contact [email protected] to request an application. Application materials are due by 4:00 pm on November 30, and should be addressed to Governor Tim Walz. Applicants may contact [email protected] or (651) 201-3400 with questions about the application process or to request reasonable accommodations.

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced cabinet vacancies and reappointments for their second term. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor thanked the entire Walz-Flanagan cabinet for their dedication and contribution to the lives of Minnesotans over the past four years. 

“I’m grateful to our entire cabinet for their years of service to Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “Together, we made historic investments in education, achieved the lowest unemployment rate of any state in history, and protected the health and safety of Minnesotans. I look forward to building the team that will help us kick off our second term.”

Individuals wishing to apply for positions in the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s cabinet can contact [email protected] to request an application. Application materials are due by 4:00 pm on November 30, and should be addressed to Governor Tim Walz. Applicants may contact [email protected] or (651) 201-3400 with questions about the application process or to request reasonable accommodations.

Governor Walz Appoints Jeremy Drucker to Serve as Addiction and Recovery Director

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced the appointment of Jeremy Drucker to serve as the administration’s Addiction and Recovery Director, a new position reporting directly to the Governor that will break down silos and leverage systems in state government to address addiction and recovery in Minnesota. 

“The addiction crisis is growing in Minnesota and across the country. As Addiction and Recovery Director, Jeremy Drucker will work across state government to ensure services and supports are available and accessible for those living with addiction throughout their journey in recovery.” said Governor Walz. “Jeremy has the experience to be a solutions-focused leader, and I have confidence he will excel in this new role.” 

“Jeremy Drucker understands the complexities of addiction and the importance of working across state government and listening to Minnesotans – with our office’s focus on Native communities and communities of color who continue to be disproportionately impacted by this crisis and horrible disease,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “We are grateful that Jeremy will be returning to public service to create better outcomes for Minnesotans living with addiction.”

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce New Round of Free COVID Tests Ahead of Holidays

Four additional tests per household are available in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced that four additional free at-home rapid tests are available to all Minnesota households in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday through the state’s online ordering program.

Minnesotans who have previously ordered tests are again able to receive four additional tests per household at order your free at-home rapid tests on www.mn.gov/covid19.

Minnesotans can also place orders through the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053 Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Language assistance is available.