 On Monday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited a site in the Twin Cities metro offering free tax preparation assistance to encourage Minnesotans to file for the new Child Tax Credit. The tax credit of up to $1750 per child is estimated to cut child poverty by one third in Minnesota. Nearly 300,000 households including 513,000 children are estimated to qualify for the credit.
"We set a goal of making Minnesota the best state in the nation to grow up in. Our Child Tax Credit will mean thousands of dollars for families with children to meet their basic needs – whether that’s school supplies, new shoes, or a new water heater," said Governor Walz. "With dozens of free tax preparation sites available across the state, Minnesotans have the opportunity to make sure they’re getting every possible refund available. That’s money back in the pockets of hard-working Minnesotans."
"Nearly 300,000 Minnesota households are eligible for the Child Tax Credit we signed into law last year, and we want to see 100 percent of eligible families benefit from it," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Our tax credit provides economic stability, helping form a foundation of safety and security for families. I’m grateful for the volunteers across the state who are helping Minnesotans file their taxes and claim these benefits."
 On Thursday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced that nearly 90,000 Minnesota children are benefitting from the Child Tax Credit in just the first two weeks of tax filing season. As of Thursday, 89,000 children had qualified for the credit with families receiving an average credit of $1373, for a total of $116 million in tax credits. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan visited sites in Alexandria and Duluth offering free tax preparation assistance to encourage Minnesotans to file for the new Child Tax Credit.
"Millions of dollars are going back into the pockets of families through our new child tax credit to help with grocery bills, child care, and life expenses," said Governor Walz. "I’m excited to see the benefits middle class families are seeing from this legislation. By giving families with kids a boost, we’re helping families in the here and now and setting kids up for future success. This is an investment that will pay off for generations."
"Two weeks into tax season, we’re seeing our Child Tax Credit have an outstanding impact on families across the state," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "Whether it’s child care, a flat tire, or an emergency medical bill, we’re helping Minnesotans land on their feet when life happens. We will continue working with our community partners to spread the word and help eligible families claim the credit."
 On Friday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced their support for a legislative package to ease the burden of medical debt on Minnesotans. The provisions are part of the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act, which Attorney General Keith Ellison has developed with stakeholders over the last several months and which will soon be introduced by Sen. Liz Boldon and Rep. Liz Reyer.
The Act’s provisions concerning medical debt include banning medical debt from affecting someone’s credit score and cutting interest on medical debts from 8 to 0 percent. One in 10 U.S. adults owes at least $250 in medical debt.
"There’s no way to predict a trip to the emergency room. I’m proud to support this legislation to help Minnesotans manage the unpredictable financial burden of medical care that can wipe out everything from your credit score to your savings account," said Governor Walz. "This plan will lower costs, help Minnesotans manage their medical debt, and protect them in their most challenging moments."
"Medical debt is one of the most common barriers to financial security for families. As a mother and daughter who cared for my parents as they aged, I know these costs add up fast," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "I’m proud to support a proposal that will protect Minnesotans and lift financial burdens off families’ shoulders. This proposal is about helping families save money, build wealth, and feel secure in their day to day lives."
 On Tuesday, Governor Walz visited Fire Station 4 in Saint Paul to greet and thank the firefighters who responded to a tragic fire in Saint Paul's East Side.
"In January, the Saint Paul Fire Department responded to a tragic fire at the Vang family residence. Multiple companies were on the scene in less than five minutes. They saved lives that day. I was grateful to take a moment to thank them for answering the call to serve," said Governor Walz.
On Wednesday, Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced more than $7.8 million in funding for seven business expansion projects statewide. The projects are expected to support 719 jobs and leverage more than $169 million in outside investment.
"Minnesota is proud to be a top state to start and grow a business," said Governor Walz. "By supporting business expansion, we’re helping businesses create good-paying jobs for Minnesotans. We are committed to supporting our businesses and investing in communities across the state, whether through business expansion, grants for entrepreneurs, or child care."
 
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