Tim Walz in 2020s gubernatorial press release
On Families & Children:
$545M in Child Tax Credits to 215,000 families
Gov. Walz announced that new figures show the state's nation-leading Child Tax Credit has put over $545 million into the budgets of more than 215,000 Minnesota families this year. With the majority of 2023 individual income tax returns processed, the
department reports that 437,000 eligible children [were claimed] for an average total credit of $1,244 per child."This year, we invested directly in the financial security and wellbeing of families across the state through our nation-leading Child
Tax Credit," said Governor Walz. "I'm grateful that nearly 440,000 children have already benefited. Minnesota is setting an example for the nation of how to lift families up, cut child poverty, and build a brighter future for Minnesotans."
About Minnesota's Child Tax Credit: Taxpayers may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. This is a refundable credit, meaning they can receive a refund even if they do not owe tax.
Source: MN Governor press release 2024: "Child Tax Credits"
Jul 19, 2022
On Free Trade:
Agricultural trade mission to Netherlands and Ireland
Gov. Walz announced he will lead a trade mission to the Netherlands and Ireland, Nov. 16-22, 2024, with stops in the countries' major business centers of Amsterdam and Dublin. The mission will focus on growing Minnesota's exports of goods and services,
showcasing the state as a top destination for business investment, developing new partnership opportunities, and strengthening existing ties. This will be the first trade mission led by a Minnesota Governor to these two countries.Gov. Walz will lead a
delegation comprised of representatives from 35 businesses and organizations within Minnesota's medical technology, food and agriculture, environmental technology, and higher education sectors.
"Trade missions provide an opportunity to strengthen
international economic ties and lead to direct investment in Minnesota," said Walz. "Both Netherlands and Ireland offer excellent opportunities for Minnesota companies to grow their business in Europe, as well as create new partnerships for the state."
Source: MN Governor press release 2024: "Trade Mission"
Jul 19, 2022
On Health Care:
Bring transparency to prescription drug costs
Gov. Walz announced a significant step in the state's effort to bring price transparency to the prescription drug market. Today the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published the inaugural list of 364 drugs from 76 manufacturers that will now be
subject to reporting from drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, wholesalers, and pharmacies. Information collected will shed light on how prices grow as they move through the supply chain and inform actions policymakers can take to make
prescription drugs more affordable."Access to necessary medications is a right, not a privilege. Yet, for many across the state and nation, the high cost of prescription drugs forces tough decisions when it comes to affording health care," said
Governor Walz. "I am grateful to the Minnesota Department of Health for their crucial work in increasing transparency of the prescription drug market. This is a major step towards our goal of creating a more affordable health care system."
Source: MN Governor press release 2024: "Rx Drugs"
Jul 19, 2022
On Health Care:
Debt Fairness Act: ease burden of medical debt
Gov. Walz today [signed] legislation that will help ease the burden of medical debt on Minnesotans. "Life-saving cancer treatments or a trip to the emergency room shouldn't cause a tanked credit score or a lifetime of debt," said Governor Walz. "These
reforms will help Minnesotans get the care they need, manage their medical debt, and feel protected in their most vulnerable moments." The legislation eases the burden of medical debt for Minnesotans by:- Banning medical providers from withholding
medically necessary care due to unpaid debt;
- Preventing medical debt from impacting credit scores
- Eliminating automatic transfers of medical debt to a patient's spouse
- Establishing strong new protections from unethical medical debt collections
practices
The Minnesota Debt Fairness Act makes additional debt reforms, including establishing automatic income-based wage garnishment levels, ranging from 10% to 25%, rather than the flat 25% garnishment cap that previously existed
Source: MN Governor press release 2024: "Medical Debt"
Jul 19, 2022
On Jobs:
$24M for job training and economic development programs
Gov. Walz today celebrated $24 million in funding for job training and economic development programs. The funding will support entrepreneurs and start-up businesses with operating needs, fund training programs, and support community events that provide
an economic boost."Investments in job training and economic development strengthen our workforce and boost our economy," said Gov. Walz . "This funding will enhance Minnesota's culture of innovation, global talent market, and high quality of life."
The programs supported by this funding include:- $2.5 million for Launch Minnesota for innovation grants to assist eligible Minnesota entrepreneurs or start-up businesses with their operating needs
- $2 million to the 2026 Special Olympics
USA Games
- $1.25 million to the Minneapolis Downtown Council for infrastructure and associated costs for the Taste of Minnesota
- $1 million to the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce for technical support to Black-owned small businesses
Source: MN Governor press release 2024: "Job Training"
Jul 19, 2022
Page last updated: Aug 18, 2024