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Governor Walz signed five bipartisan bills into law this week supporting veterans and their families, updating the state’s energy permitting processes, and clarifying policies related to liquor licensing and mortgage foreclosures.
“Living in a nursing home or assisted living facility should not mean giving up everyday freedoms,” said Governor Walz. “This bipartisan bill increases independence and safety under clear regulations, while ensuring residents are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve—including the ability to get togetherfor happy hour.”
SF2511 updates Minnesota’s liquor laws by authorizing certain municipalities to issue liquor licenses, clarifying trade practices between manufacturers and wholesalers, and modifying licensing requirements for specific establishments, including nursing homes and those operated by the University of Minnesota.
HF 3802 modifies exemptions to the state’s certificate of need requirement for energy infrastructure projects, helping streamline the development and modernization oftransmission lines.
HF 3741 expands and clarifies educational assistance for veterans’ spouses and children, ensuring continued access to tuition support and financial assistance.
HF 3544 updates eligibility for state-funded veterans benefits, specifying that individuals who have forfeited federal veterans benefits are not eligible for state programs, and discontinues the environmental hazards information and assistance program.
HF3479 clarifies the process for postponing mortgage foreclosure sales, providing additional options for homeowners navigating foreclosure proceedings.
 Last Week, Governor Walz visited Rochester to meet with early learning students, educators, and leaders in child care leaders to highlight ongoing efforts to make child care more affordable for Minnesota families. This marks the second school visit in the past week as Governor Walz continues a statewide focus on child care affordability during the legislative session.
“Child care is not optional for working families,” said Governor Walz. “Child care makes work possible, and when we bring that cost down, we are not just helping budgets, we are helping families build stability. The Dependent Care Credit is one of the most direct ways to do that, putting money right back in their hands.”
The visit included a stop at Hoover Elementary School and Early Learning Program, where the Governor participated in classroom activities with students, toured early learning spaces, and met with educators and community partners. Governor Walz was joined by Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart, Rochester Mayor Kim Norton, and local early childhood education leaders. Together, they discussed rising child care costs and the Governor’s proposed solutions in the state budget.
The Governor’s legilsative proposal would expand Minnesota’s refundable Dependent Care Tax Credit by increasing income eligibility, expanding allowable expenses for young children under age five, and increasing the credit rate for all dependents under age 13 to 50 percent of eligible expenses. In total, the proposal would benefit approximately 104,800 families, an increase of about 60,000 families compared to current eligibility, and increase refunds by an average of about $1,623 overall, and approximately $2,191 for families with young children in child care.
The Governor also discussed the state’s existing Child Tax Credit as a major step toward family affordability. So far this year, more than 200,000 families have claimed the credit, benefiting nearly 414,000 children across Minnesota. Families are receiving an average credit of $2,591. The program is estimated to reduce child poverty by up to one-third, making it one of the most significant investments in children and families in state history.
On Saturday, Governor Walz delivered a keynote address at the Global Progressive Mobilization in Barcelona, Spain. Beforehand, Governor Walz met with world leaders attending the summit to discuss progressive policy making and leading at a sub-national level.
“Elected leaders and dignitaries came from near and far to reaffirm our commitment to building a better future,” said Governor Walz. “There’s an epidemic of distrust in government right now, and over the last decade, authoritarianism has advanced all over the world. In the North Star State, we've set a shining example that a progressive path a will lead us out of this nightmarish moment.”
The Governor's full address is available here.
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