Governor Walz Takes Executive Action to Protect Access to Gender Affirming Health Care in Minnesota

“As states across the country move to ban access to gender affirming care, we want LGBTQ Minnesotans to know they will continue to be safe, protected, and welcome in Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “In Minnesota, you will not be punished for seeking or providing medical care. This Executive Order delivers the urgent action that our LGBTQ Minnesotans deserve.”

“Gender affirming health care is safe, scientifically proven, and lifesaving. When our friends and neighbors tell us that this care will help them feel safer, happier, and more themselves, it is our job to listen and to believe them,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Our number one job is to keep children safe. This Executive Order does just that. We are saying to our trans loved ones, friends, neighbors, and fellow Minnesotans: you belong here. You are safe here, and we want you in our community as your authentic selves.”

Governor Walz Signs Bill Expanding Access to Driver’s Licenses

Governor Walz signed a bill into law expanding eligibility for a standard Minnesota driver’s license by allowing Minnesotans, regardless of immigration status, to obtain a license. With an estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants in Minnesota, the bill increases safety across Minnesota by ensuring that all drivers are licensed, insured, and have taken driver’s education courses. 

“Ensuring drivers in our state are licensed and carry insurance makes the roads safer for all Minnesotans,” said Governor Walz. “As a longtime supporter of this bill, I am proud to finally sign it into law, making our roads safer and moving us toward our goal of making Minnesota the best state to raise a family for everyone.”

“From picking a child up from school to driving to a doctor’s appointment, driver’s licenses help us safely access essential services and navigate our lives. This bill makes sure that our children and families can come out of the shadows and that all Minnesotans have opportunities to thrive, succeed, grow, and live their fullest lives in our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. 

Governor Walz Announces Minnesota’s Exports Reach Record High in 2022

Governor Walz announced that Minnesota’s exports reached a record high of $27 billion in 2022, a 16 percent increase from 2021.

“I am proud to see Minnesota’s exports continue to break records,” said Governor Walz. “Over 200 countries look to our workforce to put food on the table or manufacture their goods. This is another data point that demonstrates the diversity of our economy, strength of our workforce, and influence in the global economy.”

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Celebrates Women's History Month at Milkjam Creamery

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan stopped by Milkjam Creamery to try 'Peggy Flanagan', a featured flavor for Women's History Month.  

"Milkjam Creamery named a flavor 'Peggy Flanagan’ for Women’s History Month! What an honor to be in the company of fierce Minnesota women. P.S. My featured flavor – malted ice cream with brown butter caramel and coconut caramel cookies – is 13/10," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. 

Governor Walz Highlights Minnesota’s Efforts to Lead the Clean Energy Economy, Fight Climate Change

At the Aspen Ideas: Climate Conference this week, Governor Walz joined climate leaders from around the world to discuss how Minnesota is leading in the fight against climate change.

“Minnesota never steps away from a challenge. From our leading research centers to our vibrant startups and cross-sector partnerships, Minnesota is home to a robust clean technology and renewable energy ecosystem that is leading the way in developing sustainable solutions,” said Governor Walz. “Today, I was proud to join national climate leaders to discuss how Minnesota is leading in the fight against climate change.”

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Highlight Historic $1.6 Billion Investment in Housing

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan spoke at Homeless Day on the Hill, where they highlighted the historic $1.6 billion investment in housing included in their One Minnesota Budget. 

"The need for housing in Minnesota is real. Through our One Minnesota Budget, we’re making a historic $1.6 billion investment in housing accessibility and stability to help ensure every Minnesota family, in every neighborhood, has access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Visits Fergus Falls to Highlight Child Care Plan

Walz-Flanagan budget proposal would provide up to $10,500 to middle-class families to help pay for child care

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited Fergus Falls, Minnesota to highlight the child care plan. The Lieutenant Governor hosted a roundtable with city and county leaders, business leaders, and parents to discuss the their plan, which would increase child care access and affordability and provide middle class families with up to $10,500 to help pay for child care.