 This week, Governor Walz led a trade mission to Austria with Minnesota business leaders and spoke at the Austrian World Summit hosted by the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.
"Trade missions provide an opportunity to strengthen international economic ties and lead to direct investment in Minnesota. Regardless of the federal government's disregard for free trade and sustainable climate solutions, Minnesota will continue to chart our own path," said Governor Walz. "From sustainable agriculture to clean energy, Minnesota is a consistent leader on climate solutions and companies around the world understand the benefit of investing in Minnesota."
On Friday, Governor Walz joined the Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions and community members in Saint Paul to commemorate Juneteenth. In 2023, Governor Walz signed into law legislation establishing Juneteenth as a State holiday.
"Juneteenth is an important opportunity for communities across the state and nation to celebrate freedom, recognize the history and contributions of Black Americans, and recommit to building a more just and equitable society for everyone," said Governor Walz. "Creating Juneteenth as a state holiday was a long overdue celebration of independence."
Juneteenth recognizes the historical pronouncement of the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was said to have been first publicly read in Texas by Union soldiers. The announcement came over two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and two months after General Lee's surrender in April 1865.
 Last week, Governor Walz ceremonially signed the Omnibus Veterans Bill.
"For the fifth year in a row, we got a veterans and military affairs bill through the finish line - boosting pay for our National Guard and upgrading the benefits for SGU veterans," said Governor Walz. "Minnesota will continue to provide the best possible services to those who served us."
The legislation builds on Minnesota’s historic commitment to veterans and military families. Over the past eight years, the state has made significant progress toward ending veteran homelessness, expanded access to mental health and suicide prevention services, opened three new Veterans Homes and two new State Veterans Cemeteries, enhanced Minnesota GI Bill benefits, and delivered millions of dollars in direct support to veterans and their families. The bill also advances Minnesota’s leadership in honoring those who served, including Hmong and Southeast Asian veterans of the Secret War in Laos, while strengthening benefits and services for veterans, National Guard members, reservists, and military families across the state.
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