All articles tagged with #governor walz
Governor Walz urged Minnesotans to remain peaceful as thousands of federal immigration agents operate in Minnesota, calling the actions armed and brutal while encouraging residents to film the activity for accountability. He framed the situation as a test of Minnesota’s decency, criticized the federal presence, and noted Republican pushback and Trump remarks about the events.
Governor Walz of Minnesota will sign an executive order on Monday eliminating the four-year college degree requirement for over 75% of state government jobs, aiming to open up job opportunities and expand the state's workforce while making it easier for individuals to choose state service.
Erin Dupree, the newly appointed director of Minnesota's office of cannabis management, has announced that she will not be taking on the role. Dupree, who is currently the vice president of Loonacy Cannabis Company, cited her becoming a distraction as the reason for her decision. She expressed her passion for the industry and her commitment to conducting lawful business, but acknowledged that her presence would hinder the important work that needs to be done. Governor Walz has not yet announced a replacement for the position.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has vetoed a bill that would have provided new protections for Uber and Lyft drivers, including a minimum wage and a system for reinstatement if suspended. The proposal would have also required clearer rules for deactivating drivers and given them a chance to appeal before removal. Walz has instead established a committee to consider new protections and will work on legislation to pass next year. Uber had threatened to pull its services from Greater Minnesota and surge prices in the Twin Cities if the bill was signed.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has vetoed a bill that would have raised wages for rideshare drivers, after Uber threatened to stop operating outside of the Twin Cities area later this summer if the governor signed the bill into law. Walz signed an executive order to create a committee for further study, which will be comprised of legislators, drivers, rideshare company representatives, members of the disability community, labor, riders, and others, and is expected to issue recommendations for furthering rideshare legislation next session.
Minnesota taxpayers will soon receive tax rebates of $260 per taxpayer and per dependent for eligible people, as part of the final version of the tax bill signed by Governor Tim Walz. Eligible individuals will not need to apply for the rebates, as the Minnesota Department of Revenue will use 2021 income or property tax refund returns to determine eligibility and payout the rebate. The rebates will be made either straight into the bank account or sent to the address attached to the 2021 tax filing. The Department of Revenue will provide a new online system this summer to update banking information or address changes. The refunds are expected to be sent out in early fall.
The Minnesota Legislature has passed a $1.3 billion transportation deal that includes a gas tax hike, sending it to Governor Tim Walz for his signature. The deal includes funding for roads, bridges, and public transit, as well as electric vehicle infrastructure. The gas tax will increase by 5 cents per gallon, with additional increases tied to inflation. Governor Walz is expected to sign the bill into law.
The Minnesota Legislature has passed a bill legalizing recreational cannabis, which now awaits Governor Walz's signature. The law will take effect in August, and related misdemeanors will be expunged. Minnesotans must be 21 to buy marijuana, and there will be a 10% sales tax. While it will take time to set up dispensaries, Minnesotans will be able to possess and even home-grow a certain amount of the plant. Republicans raised concerns about exacerbating drug and behavioral health crises, but Democrats emphasized the bill's extensive measures for safety, education, and prevention.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed two gun control measures into law, expanding background checks and allowing law enforcement to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. The measures were passed by the state's Democratic-controlled legislature and have faced opposition from gun rights advocates.