[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced a plan to direct millions in federal funding toward public safety and gun violence prevention. The plan provides additional funding for police, the department of corrections, and gun safety.

The request, allocating the remaining funds from the original $500 million in Minnesota’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding, will also support children and families with resources for child care, mental health, food support, education, and emergency shelters.

“Regardless of what happens at the state legislature, I will continue working to address public safety and ensure Minnesota is the best state to live and raise a family,” said Governor Walz. “This funding will fill critical state law enforcement funding shortages and work prevent gun violence in communities across the state.”

“Every child deserves to be safe and cared for in their schools, their communities, and their homes, which is why we are committed to preventing gun violence and improving public safety in every corner of the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Although our work is not done, these investments, along with funding to improve access to mental health resources, food security, and affordable child care, are going to make a big difference in a lot of Minnesotans’ lives.”

Investing in Public Safety, Gun Violence Prevention
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan continue working to address crime and gun violence. Today’s announcement includes the following public safety measures.

Law Enforcement
The plan includes $4 million for the Minnesota State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources Officers, which presented funding deficiencies to the legislature but were not funded before the end of the 2022 Legislative Session.

Department of Corrections
Nearly $5 million will support the Department of Corrections with staffing shortages.

Gun Safety
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are developing a statewide campaign to help prevent gun-related injuries and theft. In addition to a statewide education program helping Minnesotans learn how to safely store firearms, the Department of Public Safety will provide free cable gun locks across the state at community events, including the Minnesota State Fair.

Supporting Children and Families
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are working to make Minnesota the best state in the country to raise a family. That’s why they’re investing in child care, mental health, and food security for Minnesota families across the state.

Child Care Assistance
$7 million will be directed to help create stability and access to child care for about 340 families and 680 children in 2023 through the Child Care Assistance Program.

Mental Health
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are directing approximately $7 million to support school-based mental health resources, children with complex needs, and children experiencing mental health crises.

Food Security
To respond to immediate household food needs in the face of rising costs, over $5 million will support household food needs with funding for food shelves, food banks, and meal programs.

Education
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan believe all Minnesota students deserve a world-class education and will allocate $1.5 million to fund grants to school districts and charter schools to increase the diversity of educators.

Shelter Response
Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are investing in shelter capacity to provide COVID-safe housing for people in Minnesota who experience homelessness. This includes $7.8 million for emergency shelters in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties.

COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation
The plan includes $1.9 million for COVID-19 workers’ compensation claims from state employees eligible for the presumption extended early in the 2022 Legislative Session. Occupations covered include licensed peace officers, firefighters, paramedics or emergency medical technicians, nurses or health care providers, assistive employees in health care settings and corrections officers.