Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Announce New Funding to Increase Access to Affordable Child Care Across the State

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced $2.5 million in new funding to increase access to affordable child care in communities across the state. 

“In every community across the state, we hear from families and small businesses that increasing access to affordable child care is the best way to support our work force, grow our economy, and foster economic prosperity,” said Governor Walz. “These grants reach communities across our state to help increase child care access and ensure families and our youngest Minnesotans receive the care and early education they deserve.”

Governor Walz Leads Discussion on Improving Education Across the State

Walz, Flanagan Announce Appointments to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced appointments to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Opioids, Substance Use, and Addiction, which will work with communities across the state to develop support services for those living with addiction.

“The Advisory Council, along with the recently appointed Addiction and Recovery Director, will provide valuable insight from a variety of perspectives, including those with lived experiences and those from communities that are disproportionately impacted by addiction,” said Governor Walz. “This partnership will work to ensure that individuals at all stages of recovery, and their families, have a voice to improve access to the resources they need.”

“Minnesota continues to fight against the growing opioids crisis, especially in our Native and Black communities that are disproportionately affected. I am grateful to these community leaders for partnering with our Administration, and with their unique professional and personal experiences, leadership, and dedication to this work, we will be better poised to create more effective solutions,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I look forward to seeing what this Council will accomplish over the next four years.”

In Case You Missed It: Governor Walz Announces Minnesota’s Exports Reach All-Time High

Last week, Governor Walz announced that agricultural, manufactured, and mining exports from Minnesota surged to an all-time high of $7.3 billion in the third quarter of 2022.

“Our workers, manufacturers, and farmers continue to produce high-demand goods and drive Minnesota’s economy forward on the global stage,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesota’s record-setting exports reflect what we already know: Minnesota is filled with world-class growers, problem-solvers, and innovators who are rising to meet global demand. We will continue to invest directly in communities and businesses across the state to build on this historic economic growth.”

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

ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan on Decannounced 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.”

"Substance use disorder hurts individuals, destroys families, and undermines communities," said Jeremy Drucker. "But people can and do recover, especially when they have access to the support, care, and resources they need to achieve long-term recovery. I am excited to get working on making this a reality for more Minnesotans."