[ST. PAUL, MN] – Last week, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan rolled out the Walz-Flanagan Budget to Move Minnesota Forward – the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s supplemental budget recommendation for the current legislative session. Details for the entire Budget to Move Minnesota Forward are posted online.

Minnesotans from across the state shared their support for Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s plans to invest in local jobs and projects, expand economic opportunity, support children and families, and protect Minnesotans’ health and safety.

Below are quotes praising the Governor's budget from a bipartisan group of over 100 leaders in industry, advocacy, and communities across the state.

“We want to thank the governor for making fixing unemployment insurance debt a priority,” said Doug Loon, President and CEO, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “This fix is critical as we work to create economic opportunity and full recovery. It should be the first order of business for the Legislature to prevent this payroll tax increase.”

“You have the deep gratitude of our cities for your commitment to propose to the legislature, as part of your budget, nearly $500 million over three years, to be spent on community safety and support. Thank you for hearing and embracing the concerns and ideas of mayors, police chiefs, city managers, and community advocates across the State of Minnesota as we work to keep our neighborhoods vibrant places in which to live, work, and play,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse, Edina Mayor Jim Hovland, Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case, Minnetonka Mayor Brad Wiersum, Plymouth Mayor Jeffry Wosje, and Saint Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano. [ letter attached]

“We applaud Governor Walz’s plan to dedicate a portion of the state’s budget surplus to replenish the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund. Without this action, Minnesota businesses could face double-digit payroll tax increases in the midst of existing challenges including supply chain disruptions, inflation, and severe workforce shortages. The plan also ensures that the unemployment fund will be able to support those workers who need it in the future,” said Executive Director of Minnesota Business Partnership Charlie Weaver. “The Governor’s plan to replenish the UI Trust Fund is a win for Minnesota’s businesses, workers, and the state’s economy.”

“Countless working people across multiple sectors and in every corner of Minnesota have put themselves on the front lines of the pandemic for nearly two years, many going without pay when forced to quarantine at home. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan understand why it’s so important these workers should be recognized and compensated for the extraordinary work they continue to do and the sacrifices they make,” said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy. “Workers have waited far too long; lawmakers need to act quickly this session to get dollars into our frontline heroes’ hands.”

“Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan have put forth a powerful vision and plan to ensure that no matter how much money their parents have, what language they speak or where they live, each and every child has everything they need to thrive. For too long we have failed to make this happen, because there are those who would rather divide and distract us based on what we look like or where we come from so that a few can hoard their wealth at the expense of the rest of us. But, together, we can forge a path to the future that every child deserves. We call on the legislature to meet or exceed this proposal without delay,” said Doran Schantz, Executive Director, ISAIAH

“If there is one thing that educators in every community are concerned about, it’s the mental health of their students after the trauma they have experienced during the pandemic. The lack of mental health resources for children has always been a problem but now it’s a crisis. The Walz-Flanagan budget recognizes this need and will make a meaningful improvement in lives of students and educators across the state. I’m looking forward to working with the governor and state legislators to make sure the resources go where they can do the most good,” said Denise Specht, President, Education Minnesota.

“Minnesota businesses that have poured their hearts into keeping their doors open and employees working over the past two years greatly appreciate Governor Walz’s proposal to eliminate the state’s UI debt and restore the UI fund. We encourage the legislature to promptly take up this measure when the session begins and pass it as soon as possible to avoid an unnecessary tax hike on businesses in the midst of the continuing recovery,” said President and CEO of Minneapolis Regional Chamber Jonathan Weinhagen. “We are also pleased to see the Governor’s robust recommendation to fund and deploy broadband across the entire state. Our metro and rural areas are interconnected and we all do better when we have modern technology that brings us closer together. These budget proposals help strengthen our foundation for further economic growth and position our state for even more success.”

“We are pleased by Governor Walz’s budget... Several key components align with our strategic goals to keep Medical Alley The Global Epicenter of Health Innovation and Care,” said Roberta Dressen, CEO of Medical Alley Association. “The Governor’s funding of the broadband initiative will complete the job of providing baseline speed across the state, a key part of healthcare transformation. The additional funding, and the now permanent status of the Angel Tax Credit, along with additional funding for LaunchMN, and the funding of the unemployment insurance fund through the state surplus rather than through tax increases, will continue to position Minnesota as the state where entrepreneurs will locate to innovate and to conduct business. Finally, increased funding for technical jobs training, especially for people of color, will support the goals of a diverse and competent workforce for Medical Alley’s businesses. The Medical Alley Association has long advocated for each of these issues and appreciates the support from the Governor’s office.”

“Land O’Lakes is grateful to see that Governor Tim Walz is making a significant investment in expanding broadband access for all Minnesotans,” said Teddy Bekele, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Land O’Lakes, Inc. “As we have long said, broadband access is no longer a luxury but rather a necessity in today’s economy and everyday life. Whether it is for virtual learning to support their families, remote work, or to power the technology supporting critical agricultural operations, this investment will make a real impact for our businesses and communities across the state.”

“The Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition is very pleased that Gov. Walz has proposed this historic investment in broadband funding,” said Jay Trusty, Chair of the Rural Broadband Coalition. “ Closing the digital divide is one of the most pressing issues of our time and this investment help will level the playing field for rural communities across the state.”

“We could not be more grateful to see a robust food security package in the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s package for children and families,” said Colleen Moriarty, Executive Director, Hunger Solutions. “Universal meals is a way to take the burden off families and the way to make sure schools stay open. If we want to achieve educational opportunity for our students, we must ensure that children have the food and proper nutrition and ready to learn.”

"I'm thankful Governor Walz wants to set aside $1 billion to help respect and pay frontline workers like me who never got to work from home. This surplus was built on the backs of working people who showed up every day and getting $1,500 checks would be a big deal for people like me," said Troy Bowman, an essential worker who is a member of SEIU Local 26 who lives in Minneapolis. "I'm one of the people who have been called 'essential' during this pandemic, but I'm going to be honest with you that my experience has felt more like those in power view me as expendable. This would be a step to make this right."

"It’s been a tough 2+ years for those of us on the frontline of the health care field. We've sacrificed so much to keep Minnesotans safe and healthy. We're still dealing with the stress of understaffing while most of us haven't received any COVID pay despite being called 'heroes' by those in power," said Brianne Bernini, an emergency center tech and member of the executive board of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota. "The $1,500 hero checks proposed in Governor Walz’s budget would be a nice recognition for those of us who have given our all during this horrible time."

“The Minnesota Telecom Alliance (MTA) and the 41 rural broadband providers we represent applaud Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan for this bold step to ensure that Minnesota achieves true border to border broadband,” said Brent Christensen, President and CEO, Minnesota Telecom Alliance. “We would also like to thank DEED Commissioner Steve Grove and Office of Broadband Development Executive Director Angie Dickison for their continued support as MTA members work to serve some of the hardest to serve parts of our State.”

“Pleased to see the Governor put forward these recommendations. They are hugely impactful in demonstrating the State of Minnesota’s sustained commitment and partnership to the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Jodi Hubler, Launch Minnesota Advisory Board Chair. “These programs provide the firm foundation to attract, build and grow business in our state. Ensuring not only survival but ability to thrive here.”

“Businesses in the Duluth region of Northeastern Minnesota have been resilient and creative throughout the pandemic. This unwavering spirit has allowed them to continue to serve their customers and keep their employees on the payroll. Yet, challenges remain. Consequently, we are in strong support of Governor Walz's proposal to restore the UI Trust Fund as it shows his deep appreciation for businesses across the state,” said Matt Baumgartner, President, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. “Without this action, many businesses might find the additional tax hike to restore the UI Trust Fund as the tipping point during our ongoing recovery. When this session begins, we encourage swift action on this proposal as the March 15^th deadline looms near.”

“Additionally, access to broadband continues to limit families, businesses, community development, and even healthcare in our area. Therefore, we are pleased to see the Governor's proposal to deeply fund broadband across Minnesota,” continued Matt Baumgartner. “We applaud the Governor's action to deploy modern technology that will bring us closer together and open new doors for economic activity, education, and community health.”

"If we learned anything from the comprehensive pivot to online over the last two years, it's that internet access no longer is a luxury – it's an essential,” said B Kyle, President and CEO, St. Paul Area Chamber. “Access to broadband simply must be accessible across the entire state. A robust investment in completing our broadband infrastructure will ensure all Minnesotans can participate in the recovery ahead.”

“Youthprise is pleased to see an unprecedented level of proposed investment in creating a pipeline for youth to secure jobs in the tech industry,” Marcus Pope, President of Youthprise. “This program will benefit young people as well as our business community. This is a win-win for Minnesota.”

“I greatly appreciate the Governor’s bold vision and budget proposals announced today, many of which build off the work of the Council on Economic Expansion. Throughout its first phase of work, the Council worked hard to craft recommendations that address Minnesota’s deep equity challenges and economic growth opportunities,” said Paul Williams, President and CEO, Project for Pride in Living. “The Governor’s budget will help to build a thriving economy that will help everyone in our state emerge stronger. ”

“It is gratifying to see the Council of Economic Expansion recommendations, which were aimed at supporting a brighter, more inclusive future for all Minnesotans, so closely aligned with the Governor’s comprehensive budget proposal,” said Jeff Ettinger, Current Chair of Hormel Foundation, Former Chairman of the Board and CEO, Hormel. “We believe these priorities will support Minnesota’s future financial growth and expand opportunities for Minnesotans to participate in it.”

“Replenishing the UI Trust Fund is incredibly important; UI helped both employees and employers during an unprecedented time in our history. Rising costs and supply chain issues are new pressures being placed on employers during a time when they are working to recover from the hardships faced over the past couple of years. Not placing the UI burden on employers makes sense,” said Traci Tapani, Co-President, Wyoming Machine.

“We have an incredible opportunity right now to get border to border broadband in Minnesota. As a business owner and member of the Governor’s Council on Economic Expansion, I fully support using available funds to get this done,” continued Traci Tapani. “Access to broadband impacts every area of our lives and we need to ensure that all Minnesotans have the access they need.”

“Governor Walz’s proposal today will once again make Minnesota a leader in supporting families with young children and the hard working child care providers who help care for and educate children during their most critical years of development. From the very beginning of this pandemic Governor Walz has led the nation with his support of child care providers and helping child care programs stay open to support the families who needed them,” Chad Dunkley, President of MCCA and CEO of New Horizon Academy. “Nearly one billion dollars in child care assistance will repair, finally, the damage done to this system two decades ago. These new child care investments will strengthen our child care system, help more families afford child care, and increase the supply of child care in our state.”

"We’re thrilled the Walz-Flanagan Administration is seeking the largest proposed increase for young children in state history,” Barbara Yates, President and Chief Executive Officer, Think Small. “Our parents, children, providers, and economy are in crisis, so we need to work on a bipartisan basis to pass this help just as soon possible.”

“This is good news, particularly in our changing economy where remote working and telehealth are emerging with greater prominence,” said Rod Young, President and CEO, Delta Dental Minnesota. “This significant investment in broadband infrastructure and services will bring greater access to jobs, education and healthcare services, for all Minnesotans.”

“Red Wing Shoe Company supports the broadband and Unemployment Insurance initiatives outlined by Governor Walz. These investments in people and capabilities support the communities, employees, and customers across the State of Minnesota where we live and work,” said Mark Urdahl, President and CEO, Red Wing Shoes. “Ultimately these investments allow Red Wing Shoe Company and other employers to address the needs of today’s modern workforce and business environment.”

“I believe the investments for workforce development outlined within the Walz Administration’s proposed budget are not only in alignment with the needs of our state as a whole, but for our community as well. I am heartened by the obvious strategic thinking behind the Governor’s proposal, and the work of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, to utilize state resources towards bolstering these critical industries,” said Dr. Joe Hobot, Hunkpapa Lakota, President and CEO of the American Indian OIC. “I also believe that such investments will not only serve to further grow the state economy but will simultaneously uplift members within communities of color – and specifically the indigenous community – into better, more stable careers that provide meaningful wages.”

“This is good news, particularly in our changing economy where remote working and telehealth are emerging with greater prominence,” said Rod Young, President and CEO, Delta Dental Minnesota. “This significant investment in broadband infrastructure and services will bring greater access to jobs, education and healthcare services, for all Minnesotans.”

“The Minnesota Technology Association fully supports the investments proposed by Governor Walz as important next steps in building a stronger, and more inclusive, tech ecosystem in Minnesota,” said Jeff Tollefson, President and CEO, Minnesota Technology Association. “In particular, we are pleased to see additional funding to prepare more youth for tech careers and equip unemployed/under-employed adults with the digital skills needed to succeed in an increasingly tech-driven economy. We look forward to partnering with DEED in the implementation of these initiatives as we work together to make Minnesota a better place to live and work for all.”

"We are excited about the Governors proposed new investments in Early Care and Education. We believe a mixed delivery system that sets high standards of care and that is available to all families equitably is key to moving Minnesota forward,” said Kraig Gratke, Executive Director, Minnesota Head Start Association. “The investments in early childhood mental health are much needed and will help children and programs work through the many forms of trauma they face every day. We see this as a win for the youngest most vulnerable children in Minnesota.”

“Minnesota cash programs have antiquated procedural requirements that too often destabilize families already in crisis,” said Barb Dahl, President, MACSSA. “The administration’s proposal to align public assistance programs follows nationwide best practices, creates equity across programs, will simplify and streamline county staff administrative work, and will encourage earned income and employment.”

“As young people continue to be impacted by this global pandemic, we are encouraged to see an investment in high quality afterschool and summer programs that will chip away at long-standing barriers to access faced by too many Minnesota families. Afterschool programs connect young people to caring adults, provide important workforce opportunities for older youth, and support working families. This budget recognizes the power of community-school partnerships to open doors of opportunity for young people across the state,” said Kari Denissen Cunnien, Executive Director, Ignite Afterschool.

“The Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly supports Governor Walz's proposed investments in the health and wellbeing of our state's children and youth,” said Sheldon Berkowitz, MD, FAAP, President, Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “This bold package of initiatives strives for equity and addresses child and youth mental health, access to health care, and early childhood education and care, all priorities identified by Minnesota’s pediatricians.”

“Greater Twin Cities United Way has a long history of advocating for investment in our state’s littlest learners and pathways toward prosperity. I am really encouraged by the bold commitment to Minnesota’s future represented in Governor Walz’s budget proposal—one that centers the long-term wellbeing of our state’s youth as well as endeavors to remove cliff effects, which create barriers to upward mobility for countless families,” said Acooa Ellis, Senior Vice President of Community Impact, Greater Twin Cities United Way.

“This is good news, particularly in our changing economy where remote working and telehealth are emerging with greater prominence,” said Rod Young, President and CEO, Delta Dental Minnesota. “This significant investment in broadband infrastructure and services will bring greater access to jobs, education and healthcare services, for all Minnesotans.”

“Minnesota will join 27 other states in providing 12-month continuous Medicaid/CHIP coverage for children. We know that eliminating the cyclical gaps in Medicaid coverage will increase access to preventive and primary care and to a reduction in preventable hospital admissions. This sound pro child-health policy also reduces the state's administrative costs associated with families moving on and off the Medicaid program,” said Lynn A Blewett, MA, PhD, Professor, Health Policy and Management at University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Director, State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC).

“We are excited to see the Governor’s budget priorities aligning closely with our own whole child, whole family legislative agenda. These historic, bold, comprehensive, long-term investments are what our children and families are telling us they need to succeed and represent our best shot at a bright future for them and our state,” said Alisha Porter, Interim State Director, Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. “This budget creates economic stability for children through significant new investments in childcare that give families choices; by ensuring hardworking parents can continue to provide for their families during a serious illness or the arrival of a child; with improvements in the way public systems work with families and reflect community-generated solutions; and by acknowledging that hunger, unstable and unaffordable housing, mental and physical health challenges create barriers to equal opportunity for too many Minnesota children, especially during their first critical years.”

“Thank you to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for your commitment to supporting Minnesota’s youth and being a strong partner in the fight against hunger statewide. We can do this!” shared Hunger Solutions Minnesota.

“In a state with such abundant agriculture economy, no family should go hungry. We’re pleased to see Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan working to move Minnesota forward with investments that will strengthen the food system, reduce insecurity, and improve Minnesotans’ access to nutritious food,” shared the Minnesota Farmer’s Union.

“Budget release from Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan includes expanded public preK in Minnesota with strongest mixed delivery commitment we’ve yet seen. We look forward to working with the administration to ensure that this time it truly happens!” shared Minnesota Child Care Association.

“Home underpins ALL of this, and needs to be lifted up as the foundational priority that it is! We need your leadership to make record investments in Housing Infrastructure Bonds and to pass Bring it Home Minnesota rent support this year. Minnesota can’t wait!” shared Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative.

“Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the families of Minnesota ,” shared Think Small Minnesota.

“Our children don’t come in pieces. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s budget acknowledges that hunger, unstable or unaffordable housing, mental and physical health create barriers to equal opportunity for too many Minnesota children, especially during their first critical years,” shared Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota.

“Funding child care and passing paid leave is not only the right thing to do, it's the smart this to do. Let's do this Minnesota Legislature,” shared Lars Negstad, Policy Director, ISAIAH MN.

“Thank you, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, for funding our schools, supporting our teachers and students is a priority. Investing in education is an investment in our future,” shared Indivisible St. Croix Valley.

“The pandemic has exposed historic underfunding of older youth. This is especially true and problematic for young people who have struggled to find their footing, such as system-involved youth. Governor Walz's budget is a step in the right direction toward supporting older youth and provides a significant investment in childhood nutrition through a universal meals proposal,” said Marcus Pope, President, Youthprise. “We are also pleased that investment in Out-School of Time activities is being reinstated, after nearly two decades of no state funding.”

“The Start Early Funders Coalition is very grateful to Governor Walz for his budget that centers Minnesota children, families, and communities. We appreciate the attention to addressing Minnesota’s child care crisis, both the challenges faced by providers and parents and the broader challenges to the economic health of the state,” said Denise Mayotte and Allison Corrado, Co-Chairs, Start Early Policy Committee. “We also appreciate the attention to the ongoing mental health crisis accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for children to get a great start before birth and in their earliest years. These issues are critical both for today and for the future of Minnesota.”

“The Governor's proposed budget reflects a much-needed and critical investment in some of our state's most marginalized children and families – children in foster care, those with disabilities, homeless and unhoused children and families, those with incarcerated parents, among others. It's a visionary budget that reflects where our state should be investing – our future,” said Rebecca Shlafer, PhD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Children’s Cabinet Advisory Council Member.

“We are pleased that Governor Walz is taking action to support and strengthen Minnesota’s child care and early learning programs. Minnesota families and child care providers have faced enormous difficulty over the course of the pandemic, and it has shown us how badly Minnesota needs these investments. Affordable child care is essential to our economy and helps children and families survive and thrive,” said Nan Madden, Minnesota Budget Project Director.

“This monumental investment in the social determinants of health advances racial and health equity for all Minnesotans,” said Vayong Moua, MPA, Director of Racial and Health Equity Advocacy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “The severity of our inequities warrants an investment of this magnitude. This package prioritizes upstream health, where our children and family live, work, play, and learn.”

“Thank you Governor Walz for including in your supplemental budget meaningful recognition of the sacrifices nurses and other frontline essential workers have made during this pandemic!” shared Minnesota Nurses Association.

“Too many families across Minnesota are struggling right now. Family home visiting is a proven, evidenced-based strategy to stabilize families and connect them to health care and community resources,” said Kathy Filbert, Family Health Division Director, Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health, Co-Chair, Minnesota Coalition for Family Home Visiting. “Our coalition believes it's important to give all families a healthy start and this proposal would be a vital boost to doing that.”

“The timing of these historical investments in children and families is critical. These investments will help families manage their daily struggles by building stability at home, in the workforce and in their community. I'm confident this budget will produce positive results for Minnesota's babies, toddlers and families,” said Nancy Jost, Co-Chair, Minnesota's Prenatal to Three Coalition.

“Governor Walz’s proposed supplemental budget will ensure we keep showing up for one another—through these toughest of times—by stocking local food shelves, offering kids free school meals and tackling racial inequities in hunger,” said Allison O’Toole, CEO, Second Harvest Heartland. “Today, hunger is harder than ever to live with—as half a million of our neighbors face it alongside widespread illness and uncertainty. Second Harvest Heartland is grateful to the Walz administration for easing the burden and we stand ready to work with Minnesota’s elected officials to end the Covid-era hunger surge together.”

“Thank you, Governor Walz, the Children’s Cabinet, and all who have supported early childhood development for this dedicated financial commitment for the youngest Minnesotan,” said Gigi Chawla, MD MHA, Medical Director, Reach Out and Read Minnesota. “Through Reach out and Read Minnesota, clinicians will reach even more families of children birth-5yrs in every part of our state, to spread the science of building language, literacy, and bonding with the elegant simplicity of books and reading.”

“We are thrilled to see the Governor prioritize children and families in his budget. The past two years have shown just how important early childhood education is, but for many Minnesota families getting access is still a struggle,” said Alli Zomer, Director of Operations, Especially for Children. “Increased funding for programs such as Early Learning Scholarships and CCAP will allow more families to access high quality care. And it will allow providers to continue investing in our staff and programs.”

“As a locally owned educational child care center, Children’s Discovery Academy celebrates Minnesota investing in its youngest families who otherwise could not afford high-quality care. With over 40 years of experience, Children’s Discovery knows firsthand the advantage a child (and their family) has when they graduate our program, knowing they are socially, emotionally, and cognitively ready to thrive in their elementary years,” said Lauren Welch Lofrumento, Chief Operating Officer, Children’s Discovery Academy. “Increasing accessibility to these vital CCAP and Pathway 1 programs, eliminating CCAP waitlists, increasing reimbursement rates for families to afford high quality programs, and investing in our incredible teachers are all essential tools to help the youngest Minnesotans succeed in learning.”

“In this time of deep crisis for our mental health system, Minnesota’s children and families are demonstrating increased need for mental health care to live their best lives today and into the future. Mental health investments in Governor Walz’s budget are critical, including school-linked and service models designed to optimize access to mental health care,” said Kirsten Anderson, Executive Director, AspireMN.

“Now is the time for action for young people and Minnesota as a whole. As a council, we support increasing the access of student mental health and wrap-around services in and out of school in alignment with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Subcommittee. We promote supporting investment in teachers of color, early child care, and an education mixed delivery system through the Educational Equity Subcommittee. We support additional investment in out-of-school time and youth prevention support through the Juvenile Justice Subcommittee,” said Youth Leaders, Minnesota Youth Council. “We look forward to continuing to be a meaningful partner in ensuring equity for all Minnesotans.”

“I am blown away by Governor Walz’s budget proposal. Since School Readiness Learning Academy opened in 2009, we’ve been working for this major investment in our youngest learners. We have so many of our single parents, mothers and fathers, trying to figure out how to get their child care paid for, so this is huge for them,” Monique Webb Stumon, Director, School Readiness Learning Academy. “Our motto is ‘A better start for young minds’ – and with this proposal to invest in children and families, we will be able to fully live that motto. We can provide quality early learning for even more children in our community, sending them to kindergarten fully ready and prepared, which benefits all of us.”

“We received direct support grants at the beginning of the pandemic, totaling $8,500 per month. With those funds, I was able to raise wages for my staff. If Governor Walz’s budget proposal is adopted, and we continue to get $8500 per month, I could offer benefits to my employees, which would help me with hiring and retaining staff. I could also access mental health therapists for my kids and teachers because our kids and families have huge trauma from the pandemic,” said Nicole Flick, Owner, ABC123 Child Enrichment Center. “We can’t provide quality care without these resources and every child deserves quality care. If we have the mental health supports, and can provide higher wages and benefits, the quality of care we can provide increases tremendously. When Head Start closes or the public schools close, parents come to us, and nobody is helping us. If you want us to be here and provide care when nobody else can, we need to be publicly funded just like K-12 education.”

“Governor Walz’s budget proposal with extensive funding for child care would actually save our center. With the struggles of the pandemic, closing our center is something we have had to consider. This funding would allow us to stay open and pay our staff more,” said Debra Messenger, Office Manager, All Ages and Faces Academy. “Self-paying parents also find it challenging to pay. This funding would lower the costs for everyone. Fully funded CCAP is truly life or death for us, and we want to survive because not many African American run child care centers are available in Minnesota. We’re motivated to stay open by the need that our children and families have for high quality, culturally informed and inclusive child care and this funding would allow us to do that.”

“I am really excited about Governor Walz’s budget proposal because it will enable us to finally develop the system that we need to support our youngest Minnesotans and their families. One reason it has been challenging for parents to get back to work is because child care is so scarce. Centers have had to close because of the economic downturn. Some are having staffing struggles due to the pandemic and even before the pandemic the number of child care deserts in Minnesota was high,” said Kiara Zackery, parent, Golden Valley. “If we want to make quality child care available to every family, we need to support our centers, which then better supports our workers. This provides better access to all of our families that need help affording childcare, which enables us to truly provide the high quality care that our youngest Minnesotans deserve.”

“On behalf of the Voices and Choices for Children Coalition, we are delighted to see this historic investment in children and families in the Governor and Lt Governor’s supplemental budget proposal. In particular $10M per year for the Community Solutions Grant Program will benefit the healthy development of children of color, American Indian children, and children that live in greater Minnesota,” said Dianne Haulcy and Rinal Ray, Co-Chairs, Voices and Choices Coalition Steering Committee. “The inclusion of the Community Solutions Fund in this budget proposal rightly centers community identified issues and solutions at a time when the need is urgent and sets us all up for a brighter future.”

“Young people on their own are some of the least visible and most vulnerable when experiencing instability including homelessness. During the pandemic, as resources became scarcer and waiting lists became much longer, youth were impacted more than most ,” said Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, Executive Director, Face to Face. “This budget demonstrates that Minnesota cares about marginalized young people and ensures they find the resources they need for safety and stability. As a safety net services provider for 50 years, Face to Face is delighted to see the state's investment in the critical needs of our young people—the present and the future of our communities.”

“Climate change is our greatest environmental challenge today and threatens the forests, prairies, rivers, lakes and streams that Minnesotans love,” said Ann Mulholland, Chapter Director, The Nature Conservancy MN-ND-SD. “ We are pleased to see the Administration proposing investments in climate solutions –especially through nature--and hope this proposal leads to significant investments this session in natural and working lands to accelerate the role they can play in meeting the challenge of climate change.”

“The Governor’s budget and bonding proposals align with what we know at the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless – shelter saves lives. Housing ends homelessness. These proposals make transformative investments to address homelessness and housing instability by ensuring shelters and homes provide safety and dignity,” said Rhonda Otteson, Executive Director, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. “Whether children, youth, families, seniors, or veterans are experiencing homelessness or seeking a permanent home, these investments will make a significant positive impact all across Minnesota.”

“I am grateful that Governor Walz and his staff have taking time recently to meet with a group of neighboring chiefs and I to discuss these important issues. We all hope to continue to meet and have those conversations with anyone who wants to continue the discussion on finding ways to reduce violent crime in all our communities,” said Erik Fadden, Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, Plymouth Police Department. “We believe the conversations go beyond just the money but are pleased and grateful for this start in the right direction.”

“Stable and available housing is a key social determinant of health. Numerous studies show how health outcomes improve and healthcare costs decline when people have access to safe and affordable housing,” James Hereford, President and CEO, Fairview Health Services. “A bold investment in housing and preventing homelessness is one of the most important investments we can make to keep our communities healthy and drive down the costs of care – and that benefits us all.”

“We are in unprecedented times that require significant collective action and resources. The pandemic has exposed just how many families are housing insecure in Minnesota, living just one paycheck away from experiencing a housing crisis and becoming homeless,” said Susan Bass Roberts, Vice-President and Executive Director of the Pohlad Family Foundation. “Philanthropy will continue to play its part but cannot fill the level of need we are seeing in community. Government must step up and invest at a level to ensure Minnesotans have a safe place to call home.”

"The Governor’s budget proposal recognizes that supporting Minnesota families requires significant investments in housing. We are particularly excited about a clear strategy to invest in a community stabilization fund, that recognizes that we need to maintain the quality and affordability of housing that already exists in the market. This investment in Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) is cost effective and can be deployed immediately to save homes for thousands of Minnesotans,” said Anne Mavity, Executive Director, Minnesota Housing Partnership. “Renter policy improvements in the Governor’s proposals are also desperately needed to ensure that renters have the rights, resources and information they need to live in their homes safely and stably. MHP looks forward to working with the Governor and State legislative leaders to ensure that Minnesota invests in families by investing in housing in 2022."

“I want to acknowledge the Governor for being so responsive to the calls from Rochester and Southeastern Minnesota regarding the desperate need for affordable housing and homeless shelters,” said Rochester Mayor Kim Norton. “I want the Governor and Legislature to know that affordable housing, like public safety, is an issue that mayors across Minnesota identified as a common concern when we gather. Be it urban or rural, conservative or liberal, city leaders across our great state are looking for more resources to help provide housing that people can afford.”

“Two winters ago, in the middle of a pandemic, a bipartisan group of cross-sector partners—including philanthropy and the State—came together to pool financial resources to address issues of homelessness in Minnesota. This partnership has never been stronger but to meet the tremendous community needs, it will require a transformational investment,” said Dr. Eric Jolly, President and CEO, St. Paul and Minnesota Foundations. “We applaud this historic proposal to invest $1 billion over the upcoming three years to address the many points along the housing continuum from emergency shelters to prevention efforts aimed at keeping Minnesotans in their homes. These investments in housing stability, if enacted, would not only have a transformative impact in the lives of thousands of Minnesotans, but would strengthen the fabric of our communities across the state.”

"Minnesotans want a state where we can afford to be healthy, yet almost everyone struggles to afford prescription drugs. When we expand Minnesota’s nation leading price transparency law to wholesalers and pharmacy benefit managers, we put the health of Minnesotans before the profits of corporate middlemen,” said James Holt Jr., hospital worker, Executive Board member, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota. “These proposals would also put Minnesotans before insurance companies when we expand access to our affordable, high-quality Minnesota Care program. These would be great steps to make sure every Minnesotan – no matter our race, zip code or how much money we have – can live full, healthy lives."

“We are grateful for the Governor’s strong commitment to preventing and ending homelessness in Minnesota. Emergency shelter and supportive housing providers have been on the frontlines to support those most disparately impacted throughout the pandemic, yet the need to invest more in Minnesota’s housing and homelessness crisis response existed long before COVID,” said Michael Goar, President and CEO, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “Significant and ongoing public investments to emergency services and shelter operations, including the Emergency Services Program and Homeless Youth Act, are critical now and moving forward to disrupt the trends of Minnesota’s homelessness crisis and ensure those in need receive the best possible support to achieve stable housing and thrive in our communities.”

“Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) is excited that the Governor is recommending further investment in the Homeless Youth Act – a crucial program that helps youth experiencing homelessness across the state find connection and stability in their community,” said Karen Kingsley, Senior Director of Youth & Family Services, LSS . “It’s more important now than ever with the challenges of the pandemic. We know that LGBTQIA2S+ youth are overrepresented in the homeless youth population. At LSS, we make it a priority to welcome and support youth with their full identities into our services.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to expose the ways that the Minnesotans without housing stability pay the heaviest tolls for gaps in our safety net and community infrastructure. If supported by the Legislature, these historic investments in homelessness prevention, affordable housing, emergency shelter, and services for people facing housing crises will mean that local communities will have the resources to ensure that no Minnesotan is sleeping outside for lack of shelter and that urgently needed housing opportunities are created for Minnesotans with lowest incomes and greatest barriers to accessing housing today,” said Cathy ten Broeke, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness.

“No matter what city you live in, if neighborhoods aren’t safe places to live nothing else matters,” said St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano. “This historic investment by Governor Walz recognizes the long-standing commitment of local leaders throughout the state to ensuring safe communities and support for our youth. We appreciate the Governor’s partnership, and we look forward to quick passage of his commonsense proposal at the legislature.”

“Violence Free Minnesota and it’s member programs are thrilled to see a robust investment in victim survivors and the programs that serve them in the Governor’s proposed budget. Survivors need access to services and supports to care for themselves and their children,” said Guadalupe Lopez, Executive Director, Violence Free Minnesota. “Domestic violence programs have a direct and immediate impact on the public safety of Minnesotans, and we thank the Walz-Flanagan administration for making this a priority. We look forward to working with the administration and the legislature to make this funding a reality.”

“In light of the challenges facing cities and counties in providing public safety services, the League of Minnesota Cities and Association of Minnesota Counties welcome support that can be used for first responder recruiting, retention, training, wellness, and other needs,” said the League of Minnesota Cities and Association of Minnesota Counties.

“Thank you, Governor Walz, for including funding to combat hate in Minnesota. Hate against Asian Americans and other communities continue to be on the rise in Minnesota and across our country,” said ThaoMee Xiong, Deputy Director, Coalition of Asian American Leaders. “This funding will be critical to better track and report hate incidents and do the necessary outreach to ensure that all of us feel safe in our state.”

“The MN Justice Research Center supports the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s proposed investments in public safety. This budget is reflective of the moment we find ourselves in, and I’m grateful for the critical investments being made to keep our communities safe,” said Justin Terrell, Executive Director, MN Justice Research Center.

“If you knew how long we have been pushing for this type of support for system-involved youth and prevention, including support for local coordination of services for youth that crossover our juvenile justice and child welfare systems. We kept running into brick walls until now,” said Nicole Kern, Director of Morrison County Community Corrections and Children’s Cabinet Advisory Council member, Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee Ex-Officio member. “This is the type of programming that can keep kids who do not belong in juvenile justice out of it and how we truly help juvenile justice involved youth and all youth! We need to keep out the kids who do not need to be there and make room to focus our resources on the ones who need the help of juvenile justice.”

“Supporting the safety of the urban American Indian community is critical. Our urban American Indian community has been affected by the increase in violence, and that violence has impacted the lives of our community members. Our children, families and elders should be able to live, play, and work in safe communities,” said Mary LaGarde, Executive Director, Minneapolis American Indian Center. “The Governor and Lieutenant Governor propose to invest in public safety, supporting not only the safety, but the health and wellness of our urban American Indian community.”

“This is welcome news and reinforces that Governor Walz continues to recognize the unique emotional and physical challenges our state’s firefighters face. These additional resources for Minnesota’s 20,000 volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time, and full-time firefighters help further MnFIRE’s mission to provide our hometown heroes with the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health as they work to protect their communities,” said George Esbensen, President MnFIRE.

"We all want to feel safe at home, work, and in our places of worship. At at time when we have seen a terrifying rise in violent attacks, threats, and vandalism targeting the Jewish community, as well as our Muslim and AAPI neighbors, our communities need partnership and an investment in real solutions,” said Carin Mrotz, Executive Director, Jewish Community Action. “This is a crucial moment, and we are heartened that the Governor and Lieutenant Governor not only recognize this but are leading with a strong response. We’re grateful that the supplemental budget will include important provisions to combat the crisis of rising hate.”

"The Governor's climate budget announcement, paired with climate measures in his bonding proposal, firmly position Minnesota as a Midwestern state leading on climate," said Michael Noble, Executive Director, Fresh Energy. "Minnesota has the opportunity to jump-start clean technology innovation, improve mobility and air quality through investments in transit and electric vehicles, and make long-overdue investments in our aging housing stock through accelerating Minnesota's Weatherization Assistance Program. This budget makes investments in all of these and more, and we thank Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for this forward-thinking budget."

“We thank Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and staff for their leadership on this bonding proposal and their commitment to creating good jobs for our hard-working members. The Local Jobs and Projects Plan gives us an opportunity to truly address much needed capital investments in Minnesota,” said Tom Dicklich, Executive Director, Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council.

“Governor Tim Walz’s $2.7 billion Local Jobs and Projects plan will make much-needed investments in water infrastructure, transportation, and multi-family housing that will support economic growth and make our communities healthier while creating thousands of high-quality construction jobs across the state. We ask the Legislature to build on this proposal to ensure Minnesotans have access to clean water, safe roads, and bridges and equitable transit options. In addition to passing a substantial public construction and jobs bill, we urge our lawmakers to fully-fund matching dollars to address our severe water and transportation needs,” said Joel Smith, President and Business Manager, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota.

“I would like to thank Governor Walz for his continued leadership on bonding. Our drinking water, infrastructure maintenance, affordable housing, colleges, government buildings, and transportation needs are key pillars of Minnesota’s great future. This bonding proposal should be a jobs and projects bill that offers significant amounts of work for middle class men and women in the building trades,” said John Raines, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters.

“Big News! Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced nearly $1 billion dollars of funding to address and adapt to climate change. This means safe buildings, cleaner air and water, better transportation and more equitable communities,” shared Faith in Minnesota.

“A great step, thanks to Governor Walz for a bold position – now time for both sides to come together to get a deal done this session – now is the time to rebuild Minnesota,” shared Jason George, Business Manager, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49.

“We’re proud to see Minnesota leading on one of the key issues of our time! Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan have announced a bonding proposal that include $943 million in investments for climate, including funding that will help our state prevent and adapt our changing climate,” shared Fresh Energy.

“Thank you, Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and team. This bill includes our number one bonding priority, Spirit Mountain Duluth. Ready to do our work to support this vision and these investments through the Minnesota Legislature process and upcoming session,” shared Duluth Mayor Emily Larson.

“Thank you to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for including design dollars for Lake Superior College’s Manufacturing Workforce Labs in the 2022 Local Jobs and Projects Plan! The much-needed project will result in a relocated and expanded manufacturing training program,” shared Lake Superior College.

“The Local Jobs and Projects Plan releases today reflects the critical investments we need to build an even stronger future in Saint Paul, and across Minnesota,” shared Mayor Melvin Carter. “Thank you to Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for your leadership and support for families, workers, and businesses as we rebuild during this pandemic.”

“Thank you to Governor Walz for including Rochester Community and Technical College’s Heintz Center redesign and much-needed HEAPR funding in your bonding proposal. We appreciate you ongoing support of Rochester Community and Technical College and Minnesota State Education,” shared Rochester Community and Technical College.

“Every time we build we get to Move Minnesota Forward. Investing in climate means: clean transportation, better buildings, healthy soil, fresh water, and equitable communities. With the Local Jobs and Project Plan for the Minnesota Legislature, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are moving us toward that future,” shared 100 Percent Campaign.

“The Capital Budget releases by Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan is a very strong request for Minnesota State Education. Our 54 campuses across Minnesota and the students they serve will benefit from this important investment,” shared Devinder Malhotra, Chancellor of Minnesota State.