Governor Walz Weekly Briefing - January 19, 2024

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Friday, January 19, 2024


weekly briefing

Governor Walz Announces 2024 Infrastructure Plan


Governor Walz speaks to press from the Minnesota State Capitol

On Tuesday, Governor Walz announced the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s 2024 Infrastructure Plan – their capital investment recommendation for the upcoming legislative session. The $982 million plan invests in infrastructure improvements across the state, including funding for water and transportation infrastructure, housing, and public safety.

“The investments in our 2024 Infrastructure Plan are investments in the wellbeing and future of Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “We have an obligation to ensure every Minnesotan has access to clean water, well-maintained infrastructure, safe communities, and state buildings that are safe and accessible. These projects will support local governments in their work to improve our infrastructure and create good-paying jobs in every corner of the state.”

“Infrastructure investments like those laid out in our plan are one critical way we ensure we’re making life easier for all Minnesotans,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “In addition to the important infrastructure investments, this plan will help more Minnesotans find a safe, affordable place to call home and create additional early childhood programs and facilities to continue to put Minnesota on a path to becoming the best state for kids and families.”


In St. Cloud, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Highlights 2024 Infrastructure Plan at Snowplow Storage Facility


Lieutenant Governor Flanagan discusses the 2024 Infrastructure Plan at a MnDOT storage facility.

On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited a state snowplow storage facility in St. Cloud to highlight the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s 2024 Infrastructure Plan. She was joined by Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, legislators, and MnDOT engineers.

"We have an obligation to protect our drinking water, keep communities safe, and reinforce our transportation infrastructure. These projects will improve our infrastructure and create good-paying jobs across the state," said Governor Walz.

"If our roads don’t get plowed, Minnesotans can’t get to work or school, and everyone takes a hit. Our 2024 Infrastructure Plan invests in projects like this MnDOT snowplow storage facility to strengthen our communities, create jobs, and boost our economy," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan poses from the driver's seat of a MnDOT snowplow.

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Celebrate Martin Luther King Day


A choir sings the Black National Anthem at the Ordway Theatre

On Monday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan attended the 38th Annual State of Minnesota Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. 

"Dr. King spread a message of justice and worked toward economic and racial equality - even in the face of hatred," said Governor Walz. "May we all carry Dr. King’s wisdom with us as we work toward a nation that fulfills its promise of a more perfect union."

"Today we reflect on the legacy of Dr. King and the ongoing fight for justice and economic opportunity. We must resist the urge to dilute his message," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "His actions were led by love, faith, and a persistent challenge to those who remain apathetic when their neighbors ask for help. Every generation must continue the work until the dream is realized."

Community leaders have a "fireside chat" at the state's 38th annual MLK Day Celebration

PHOTOS: Lieutenant Governor Visits New Flyer’s Facility in St. Cloud


On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan also visited New Flyer's facility in St. Cloud. New Flyer actively supports over 35,000 heavy-duty transit buses currently in service, of which 8,600 are powered by electric motors and battery propulsion and 1,900 are zero-emission.

Lieutenant Governor Flanagan poses at the driver's seat of a New Flyer busLieutenant Governor Flanagan walks on a tour of New Flyer's bus manufacturing facility.Lieutenant Governor Flanagan poses with New Flyer leadership.Lieutenant Governor Flanagan explores one of New Fyler's buses.

Governor Walz Announces Record Health Insurance Enrollment for 2024


On Thursday, Governor Walz announced that a record number of Minnesotans signed up for private health insurance plans using MNsure, Minnesota’s official health insurance marketplace. At the close of MNsure’s annual open enrollment period on January 15, 146,445 people had successfully signed up for private health plans for 2024.

“Thousands of Minnesotans rely on our health insurance marketplace to secure affordable, high-quality health care,” said Governor Walz. “We’re proud to be serving more Minnesotans than ever before, helping them lower health insurance costs and secure the coverage they need.”


Social Media Post of the Week


Governor Walz reposts a video of the UMN Dance Team's winning performance saying, "This is badass."

Lieutenant Governor shares highlights of the 2024 Infrastructure Plam

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