Governor Walz Signs Reproductive Freedom into Law

PRO Act establishes reproductive health as a fundamental right for Minnesotans

Governor Walz signed the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act into law, establishing reproductive freedom as a fundamental right for every Minnesotan. The PRO Act establishes that every Minnesotan has a fundamental right to make decisions about their own reproductive health, including the right to use or refuse reproductive health care, to continue a pregnancy and give birth, and to obtain an abortion.

“On Feb 3rd, we are delivering on our promise to put up a firewall against efforts to reverse reproductive freedom. No matter who sits on the Minnesota Supreme Court, this legislation will ensure Minnesotans have access to reproductive health care for generations to come. Here in Minnesota, your access to reproductive health care and your freedom to make your own health care decisions are preserved and protected," said Governor Walz.

“This legislation ensures all Minnesotans, including our Black, Native, and LGBTQ+ neighbors, have the freedom to make their own health care decisions about their own bodies. I am proud to have stood in this fight alongside so many powerful women and will continue to fight to expand access to affordable and comprehensive reproductive health care for everyone across the state. I am proud to be a Minnesotan," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.

Governor Walz Establishes Juneteenth as a State Holiday

Governor Walz signed into law legislation establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday. Senate File 13 commemorates June 19 as the official end of slavery in the United States.

“Juneteenth is an important opportunity for communities across the state and nation to celebrate freedom, recognize the history and contributions of Black Americans, and recommit to building a more just and equitable society for everyone.” said Governor Walz. “Creating Juneteenth as a state holiday is a long overdue celebration of independence."

“Juneteenth is a powerful celebration that encourages us to reflect on our shared history and celebrate the innumerable contributions of Black Americans in our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “This holiday reminds us that freedom is not fully realized until all of us are truly free. It’s an opportunity to teach the truth of our shared history and recommit to doing everything in our power to deconstruct generations of systemic racism so that every Black Minnesotan can be afforded the freedom and justice that is long overdue. I have tremendous gratitude to all those who made the Juneteenth holiday a reality in our state."

Governor Walz Signs CROWN Act Into Law

Governor Walz signed the CROWN Act into law, explicitly prohibiting racial discrimination based on natural hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locs, and twists. 

“Discrimination has no place in Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “By signing the CROWN Act, we are sending a message that Black Minnesotans deserve to live and work free from discrimination. On Feb 3rd, we are taking an important step in creating a more equitable Minnesota.”

“The CROWN Act will ensure on Feb 3rd’s generation and future generations of Black Minnesotans don’t experience the discrimination that has existed for far too long in our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Black people in Minnesota, and across the country, deserve to show up as their full, beautiful selves, without the fear of hair discrimination.”

In Duluth, Governor Walz Highlights Budget to Make Minnesota the Best State in the Country for Kids

Governor Walz visited Laura MacArthur Elementary School in Duluth to highlight his budget to make Minnesota the best state in the country for kids. This proposal would lower the cost of child care for middle-class families, reduce child poverty by expanding tax credits for families who need help the most, and make the largest investment in public education in state history. The Governor’s education plan will provide universal schools meals for students and expand access to special education and mental health resources.