Governor Walz Deploys Minnesota First Responders to Aid Florida Communities Damaged by Hurricane Ian

On Friday, Governor Walz announced that eight Minnesota members of the Minnesota All Hazards Incident Management Team (MN-AHIMT) are traveling to Florida to assist local first responders as communities begin recovering from Hurricane Ian.

“Minnesotans have always stepped up to help out their neighbors in times of need,” said Governor Walz. “Hurricane Ian has devastated homes, businesses, and communities, and Minnesota is committed to helping the affected communities in any way possible. I am grateful for Minnesota’s first responders who have answered the call to provide aid and keep people safe. My heart is with our neighbors in Florida as they begin to recover from Hurricane Ian.”

Governor Walz: Minnesota Earns National Public Health Award

Governor Walz announced that Minnesota is one of five states to be named a Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), earning an $18 million award to enhance Minnesota’s ability to prevent, control, and respond to microbial public health threats.

“Public-private partnerships have positioned Minnesota as a national leader in the fight against COVID-19 and other public health threats,” said Governor Walz. “Through this award, we will continue to bolster our state’s ability to combat public health threats, keeping Minnesotans safe and our economy strong.”

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Visit Grand Portage for a Government-to-Government Visit with the Grand Portage Tribal Council

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan met with Chairman Deschampe and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa for a government-to-government meeting.

Governor Walz Signs Executive Order to Help Fight the Spread of Avian Influenza

Governor Walz signed an Executive Order waiving 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. 

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Declare Day of Remembrance for the Children Who Died While Attending U.S. Indian Boarding Schools

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan declared September 30, 2022 as Day of Remembrance for the Children Who Died While Attending U.S. Indian Boarding Schools. 

"Today, we honor the Native children who never returned home from U.S. Indian boarding schools in Minnesota and across the country," said Governor Walz. "We must recognize the history and ongoing legacy of these schools to move forward with better strategies to support and protect Native communities."

"September 30 is a day of remembrance for the Native children—our babies—who never returned home to their loved ones from U.S. Indian boarding schools.   This trauma is one generation removed from my family—the legacy of boarding schools affects so many," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "We are committed to ensuring that the history and ongoing legacy of Indian boarding schools—including the link to disparities in health, education, child welfare, and many others—are never forgotten. The whole truth must be told for justice to follow."

Minnesota Expands Higher Education Opportunities for Students

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced that the Minnesota Office of Higher Education is launching Direct Admissions, a new program designed to promote college access. The program ensures that graduating high school students know they qualify for admission to a variety of Minnesota colleges and universities. The program also eliminates the application fee for participating colleges and universities.

For more information, visit the Office of Higher Education website.

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Invite Youth to Apply for Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota invited young women and gender-expansive youth from across the state to apply for open positions with the Young Women’s Cabinet. Applications are available through the Office of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s website.

“It’s my honor to continue to elevate the leadership of young women across Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “Every young person in Minnesota deserves a bright future. Through this partnership, we center the leadership and solutions of young women in order to improve opportunities for young people, their families, and their communities.”