GOV. TIM WALZ

Walz to deploy National Guard to help ease COVID-19 surge

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz says he’ll use the Minnesota National Guard to help alleviate staffing shortages at hospitals and care facilities that are struggling with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The governor announced plans Friday at North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale for alleviating bottlenecks caused by staffing shortages that prevent hospitals from moving recovering patients to transitional…

Walz wants vaccine and testing requirements for Minnesota teachers

ST. PAUL, Minn. –  Gov. Tim Walz called on lawmakers Tuesday to approve a series of new measures to respond to the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine and testing requirements for teachers, school staff and long-term care workers. The Democratic governor detailed his proposal in a letter to lawmakers that he released after meeting privately with legislative…

Minnesota judge rejects attempt to force school mask mandate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota judge has rejected a request by concerned parents to force a statewide mask mandate in all schools. Ramsey County District Judge Thomas Gilligan said the court was “gravely concerned” about the risks of COVID-19 for Minnesota children, but said in his ruling late Tuesday that the court lacks the legal authority to order…

Gov. Walz Says Financial Relief Could Be Coming For Drought Stricken Producers

REDWOOD COUNTY, Minn. — Gov. Tim Walz got an earful at Farmfest in Redwood County from farmers and ranchers seeking drought relief. Most of the state is in a severe or extreme drought. Agriculture officials say livestock and specialty crop farmers are hardest hit because their insurance generally covers less than corn and soybean farmers. Walz and Democratic House Speaker…

Walz offers Minnesotans $100 gift cards to get vaccinated

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) – Gov. Tim Walz says Minnesota is joining the Biden Administration’s initiative to provide $100 to all Minnesotans age 12 and older who receive a COVID-19 vaccine from July 30 through August 15. “President Biden is calling for a nationwide push to make sure our families and communities are vaccinated and protected against COVID-19 and the…

Minnesota adopts ‘clean car’ rules to encourage electric vehicles

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota has officially adopted regulations championed by Gov. Tim Walz to encourage the switchover to electric vehicles. The “clean car” rules published Monday in the State Register take effect in 2024 with the 2025 model year. They’ll require manufacturers and dealers to supply more electric vehicles. The Walz administration says the rules will lead to cleaner air and…

Walz signs order banning conversion therapy for minors

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order aimed at banning conversion therapy.  Walz says it’s just a start and called on the Legislature Thursday to make it permanent. Minnesota is now one of about 24 states that restrict mental health professionals from seeking to change a person’s sexual orientation. Eleven Minnesota cities already have bans, including…