 On Thursday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan welcomed President Joe Biden to celebrate funding for the replacement of the Blatnik Bridge, which connects to Duluth, Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $1.058 Billion in federal funding, with Minnesota and Wisconsin both committing $400 million, respectively, towards the project.
"Less than two years ago, we gathered on the Blatnik Bridge to celebrate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the historic investments it could bring to Duluth and Superior. Today, President Biden delivered on his promise," said Governor Walz. "The Blatnik Bridge is more than just a bridge between two great cities, and two great midwestern states. This investment will drive interstate and international commerce, all while creating good-paying union jobs."
"The Blatnik Bridge is a critical link between the Twin Ports and beyond. It’s important that we invest in its infrastructure to keep people safe and connected," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Along with our federal partners, we are investing in working people and ensuring the economic future of the entire region."
 On Monday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited a child care provider in Brooklyn Park to announce the launch of a new Department of Defense initiative that will expand child care for military families.
"We’re launching a new initiative to increase child care options for Minnesota's military families – while lowering the cost of child care up to $1,800 per month per child," said Governor Walz.
"In Minnesota, our military families will now have more child care options to choose from while saving thousands of dollars a year. I’m grateful for caring providers like Tutor Time in Brooklyn Park who are committed to serving Minnesota’s military families," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
 On Tuesday, Governor Walz visited a wastewater treatment plant in Duluth to highlight his 2024 Infrastructure Plan. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s 2024 Infrastructure Plan invests more than $215 million in water and transportation infrastructure, including more than $119 million to support grants and low-interest loans to keep our water clean and replace lead pipes.
"The wastewater treatment plant here in Duluth provides an essential service to folks in northeastern Minnesota – one we often take for granted," said Governor Walz. "It’s the nuts-and-bolts projects like these that we need to invest in. Our 2024 Infrastructure Plan gets it done."
 On Wednesday, Governor Walz shadowed home care worker Felicia Johnson in Minneapolis to highlight increased wages for health care workers. On January 1, home care workers received a 25 percent pay increase as a result of legislation Governor Walz signed in 2023.
“Minnesota’s home care workers dedicate themselves to caring for others – not for the paycheck, but in service of improving the quality of life of those who need it most,” said Governor Walz. “This wage increase is a much-needed investment to ensure these vital workers earn a living wage. It’s a historic win for the thousands of home care workers who make up a critical piece of our health care workforce.”
"On January 1, thousands of Minnesota’s home care workers saw a historic 25% wage increase. Thank you again to SEIU's home care workers and all those who fought for what’s right. This is a big step forward for our state," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
|
