 Governor Walz attended the Minnesota State Fair on Thursday and Friday where he served at the Corn Roast, read to children at the Alphabet Forest, celebrated Governor's Fire Prevention Day, and more.
"The State Fair is called the Great Minnesota Get-Together for a reason: it brings people from all over to one place for 12 magical days," said Governor Walz. "From diverse foods and world class art to rides and animals shown by future leaders in agriculture, there's something out here for everyone."
More photos from the Governor's visits are available here.
Governor Walz announced that Moody’s Investors Service, S&P Global Ratings, and FitchRatings have all affirmed Minnesota’s AAA credit rating and stable outlook, the agencies’ highest possible mark. This is the fifth consecutive year all three rating agencies have provided AAA credit ratings for Minnesota, underscoring strong confidence in the state’s fiscal management, economic outlook and responsible budgeting practices.
“Even while federal actions create national economic uncertainty, Minnesota’s economic stability and sound fiscal management maintain the confidence of America’s top rating agencies,” said Governor Walz. “Making smart fiscal decisions is a hallmark of how we’ve governed. Balancing our state budget, reducing the structural imbalance, maintaining ample reserves, and prioritizing investments in Minnesotans have made this state the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The AAA rating is the most rigorous and prestigious among the major credit agencies. Minnesota is one of only 14 states nationwide that currently hold this rating, underscoring its status among the best-managed states in the country. Strong credit ratings help keep the cost of state borrowing low.
 Last week, Governor Walz signed an executive order to protect Minnesota’s cherished Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) from nonferrous mineral mining. The Governor’s order directs the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to stop all permitting and environmental review work on nonferrous mineral mining projects in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed (RRHW). This order also directs DNR to not issue any new leases or permits for nonferrous mineral mining projects in the RRHW and to immediately review all existing nonferrous mineral leases in the RRHW to ensure that the BWCAW is protected for generations to come.
“The Boundary Waters is a national treasure and home to some of Minnesota’s most pristine waters and wilderness,” said Governor Walz. “This place is deeply personal to me, to Minnesotans, and to people across the country who have paddled these waters. I am using my full executive authority to protect the waters and wildlife of the Boundary Waters and to ensure the outfitters, small businesses, and communities that depend on it continue to thrive for generations to come. It’s our duty as Minnesotans to ensure the sacred place remains wild, pristine, and unharmed.”
This action follows Congress’s vote to overturn a 20-year federal shield against mining in the BWCAW, opening the door to renewed nonferrous mineral mining proposals, including copper and nickel. Those proposals threaten the region’s wilderness, water, and nearly $1 billion outdoor recreation economy.F
Following his signing of Executive Order 26-10, Governor Walz spent the day in Ely visiting the Ely Folk School and Camp Widjiwagan. The Governor was joined by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen, students, community leaders, and outdoor enthusiasts.
“Protecting the BWCAW isn’t just about protecting a beautiful place; it’s about protecting the communities, businesses, traditions, and way of life that have been built around it for generations,” said Governor Walz. “The people of Ely have been some of the strongest voices for the Boundary Waters, and today I’m proud to be here with them to celebrate our work to make sure this incredible place is here for our kids and grandkids.”
|
