 On Thursday, Governor Walz announced that the Department of Revenue will send $300 million in public safety aid to local governments next week. At the Lino Lakes Fire Station, Governor Walz and public safety leaders highlighted how cities are planning to use the funding.
“This funding will allow public safety officials to invest in the things that matter most to their communities, whether that’s officer recruitment and retention, a new ambulance, or fire and rescue equipment,” said Governor Walz. “I want to give a special thank you to Minnesota’s law enforcement and public safety officials this holiday season, who never take a day off from keeping their residents safe.”
 On Monday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan highlighted the new earned sick and safe time law taking effect January 1, 2024. Lieutenant Governor Flanagan was joined by Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach, legislators, small business owners, and workers.
"Minnesotans can’t control whether they wake up with a fever or experience an injury that keeps them from work." said Governor Walz. "That’s why starting January 1, all Minnesotans will be guaranteed Earned Sick and Safe Time to care for themselves when they need it."
"Working Minnesotans need paid time off to care for themselves or a loved one when they get sick," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Today we’re celebrating and letting Minnesotans know the Earned Sick and Safe Time law goes into effect on January 1st. This is just another way we’re taking care of our workforce."
 On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan highlighted another new law taking effect January 1 aimed at eliminating the gender and racial pay gap. The law encourages employers to rely on a job applicant’s skills and qualifications to set pay and prohibits employers from asking about or considering an applicant’s past or current pay during the hiring process.
"Women working full-time, year-round are paid 81 cents for every dollar paid to men – and the gap widens for women of color and Native women," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Through our state’s new Preventing Pay Discrimination Law, we’re putting an end to that cycle of unequal pay."
 On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan highlighted $70 million to preserve and build over 460 housing units in Northeast Minnesota. This announcement came after Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and Minnesota Housing announced nearly $350 million for over 4,700 units of housing across the state last week.
"The need for housing is real. Through our historic $1.6 billion investment in housing, we’re funding thousands of new, affordable homes in the next year alone – including 460 housing units in Northeast Minnesota," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "I’m particularly grateful to the residents of Birchwood who opened their home to us today and were willing to share their stories. And to Bonnie who reminded us how important it is for everyone to have an address."
 On Wednesday, Governor Walz took to social media to share pictures of the new Walz family cat, Honey, a rescue-pet from Animal Humane Society.
"Say hello to Honey! The newest member of the Walz family. She’s a rescue-pet and already has a few favorite spots: under the tree and right on top of whatever I'm trying to read." said Governor Walz.
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