 Governor Walz welcomed Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar to the Governor's Residence on Friday to congratulate her and ensure a smooth transition of power.
“Gwen and I were excited to welcome Governor-elect Klobuchar to the residence today. Minnesotans are in good hands!” said Governor Walz.
Governor Walz shared the following statement with state employees:
|
Dear colleagues,
Minnesotans have chosen the next governor of our state. Much will be written about the outcomes of this election and the path forward for our state and nation, and as we turn towards transition, I want to say something directly to you: thank you.
Over nearly eight years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside tens of thousands of you across state government: the people who plow our roads, inspect our water, process benefits, care for veterans, protect our natural resources, support students and families, keep our systems running, and answer the phone when someone is having the hardest day of their year. Most Minnesotans may never know your names. But they feel your work every morning when they turn on the tap, drive to work, send their kids to school, or reach out for help and find someone who picks up.
You carried us through a pandemic, civil unrest, floods, wildfires, and the daily pressure of doing more with less. Through all of it, you showed up and looked out for each other and for your neighbors.
Now it’s time for a new chapter. Elections end, but the work doesn’t. The people of Minnesota have spoken, and our job is to honor that by making this transition smooth, professional, and respectful. I’m asking you to welcome the incoming team, share what you know, and keep doing what you’ve always done: serve with integrity, treat people with dignity, and put Minnesotans first. The incoming administration will depend on your expertise and institutional knowledge, just as I have.
Public service has never depended on who holds the title at the top. It depends on people like you who believe government can make a real difference in everyday lives. Thank you for your dedication and for the privilege of serving alongside you. It has been the honor of my life.
With gratitude and respect,
Governor Tim Walz
|
|
|
|
 On Thursday, Governor Walz joined Minnesota legislative leaders and members of the Hortman family to unveil signs designating Trunk Highway 610 as the Hortman Memorial Highway. The designation honors the lives and legacy of Melissa Hortman, former House Speaker Emerita, and Mark Hortman.
“Melissa was a remarkable leader, but more than that, she was a person who showed up for her neighbors, her community, and the people she loved,” said Governor Walz. “She helped build this highway because she believed in the north metro and the people who call it home. I hope that every time someone drives down Highway 610 and sees Melissa and Mark’s names, they’ll remember the lives they lived, the people they loved, and all they gave to Minnesota.”
The memorial highway recognizes the Hortmans’ enduring connection to the north metro, where they lived and served. As a legislator, Melissa Hortman played a pivotal role in securing funding for Highway 610, helping create a vital transportation connection for the region. The designation also honors the extraordinary public service of Speaker Emerita Hortman, who served as the longest-serving speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Throughout her career, she worked across the aisle to advance policies including paid family and medical leave, reproductive protections, and clean energy initiatives that improved the lives of Minnesotans and helped shape the future of the state.
The Hortman Memorial Highway designation was established through legislation sponsored by Representative Erin Koegel and Senator John Hoffman and championed through the legislative process by Transportation Co-Chair Representative Brad Tabke. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is responsible for installing and maintaining the memorial signs along the highway.
 Governor Walz announced that Minnesota is the third best state for jobs in the country, according to a recent study from WalletHub.
“Minnesota is one of the best places in the country to find a good job, build a career, and raise a family,” said Governor Walz. “Our state’s strong economy, highly skilled workforce, and commitment to supporting working people are helping Minnesotans succeed. This recognition reflects the results of our work to create jobs, grow businesses, expand workforce training and make sure people can thrive here.”
Minnesota ranked third overall, earning the nation’s fourth-best ranking for economic environment and sixth-best ranking for job market conditions. The state’s strong showing was driven by its third-highest median household income, adjusted for the cost of living, and its 11th-highest average monthly starting salary. Minnesota also stood out as one of the nation’s best places for working parents, ranking seventh for working mothers and fifth for working fathers.
The accolades reflect the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s continued work to create jobs, grow businesses and expand opportunities for Minnesotans. Since 2019, Minnesota has helped create nearly 69,000 jobs, supported more than 35,000 new businesses, and increased average weekly wages by nearly 30%.
|
