Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Present Their One Minnesota Budget

Press Release

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today presented their entire One Minnesota Budget to the legislature. The final package within their One Minnesota Budget includes $8 billion in tax cuts for seniors and working families, direct checks of up to $2,600 to help Minnesotans afford rising costs, and a framework to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis. Today's roll out follows announcements focused on supporting children and families , investing in Minnesota's economic future, and protecting Minnesotans' health and safety. Details for the entire One Minnesota Budget can be found online .

"Over the last week, we laid out our plan to make Minnesota the best state in the nation for children, invest in our economic future, combat climate change, and improve public safety across the state. Today, we lay out the full picture of how this budget will lower costs, cut taxes, and improve lives for Minnesotans," said Governor Walz. "With the largest tax cut in state history, the One Minnesota Budget invests directly in the people that made our state strong in the first place. For a middle-class family of four, the One Minnesota Budget could put $10,000 back in their pocket. We are delivering a transformational budget for Minnesotans, and I look forward to getting this done."

"From centering kids and families and protecting our climate to investing in the health and safety of everyone in Minnesota and providing meaningful and historic tax cuts for working families and seniors, the One Minnesota Budget provides a clear roadmap of our shared values," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in the people and places across Minnesota and deeply improve lives for generations to come. The investments and proposals throughout the One Minnesota Budget meet that moment."

Provide Direct Payments and Tax Cuts for Working Families and Seniors

Minnesotans continue to drive the state's economy forward and as a result, Minnesota has a historic surplus. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor recommend sending nearly $4 billion of the state's surplus directly back to Minnesotans in the form of checks up to $2,600. These direct payments would be structured as an advanced income tax credit equal to $2,000 for families with income below $150,000 and $1,000 for single filers making less than $75,000. More than 2.5 million Minnesota households would receive a check in the One Minnesota Budget. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor also recommend $219 million to reduce taxes on Social Security benefits for over 350,000 Minnesota households. This proposal would expand the number of seniors eligible for lower Social Security taxes and raise the thresholds at which the tax cuts start to phase out. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor recommend increasing the Local Government Aid and County Program Aid programs by $30 million each, assisting cities and counties with improving their local roads and infrastructure and keeping property taxes low for Minnesotans. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor also recommend increasing the School Building Bond Agricultural Credit to help support schools in greater Minnesota and lower property taxes for farmers. This comes after the Governor proposed over $1 billion over four years in tax credits to expand the Child and Dependent Care Credit and $1.1 billion in tax cuts in 2024-2025 and $1.2 billion in 2026-2027, creating a nation-leading Child Tax Credit and cutting child poverty by 25%. The Governor also proposed significant tax cuts through the Angel Tax Credit and the State Historic Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit.

Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan recommend funding for the safe and responsible legalization of adult-use cannabis in Minnesota. A new Office of Cannabis Management would be responsible for the implementation of the regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis and hemp-derived products, along with the medical cannabis program. The recommendation also includes funding for grants to assist individuals entering the legal cannabis market, additional resources for substance use disorder treatment and prevention, and expungement of non-violent offenses involving cannabis.

Build a Clean Transportation System

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan are committed to developing a reliable and clean transit system that provides improved access and air quality. The One Minnesota Budget provides $29.2 million in one-time funding to purchase up to 30 battery electric buses with charging infrastructure in place of replacement diesel buses. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan recommend $2 million each year to leverage federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds that invest in efforts to reduce carbon emissions, expand the state's electric vehicle charging network, and build a more resilient transportation system. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan also recommend a significant investment to provide the state match for IIJA-funded multimodal transportation projects across Minnesota, improving the quality and performance of the state's transportation system.

Invest in Minnesota's Higher Education System

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan propose increased funding for the state's two public higher education systems, Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota, and for the state's tribal colleges. The proposal ensures tribal colleges receive the same per-student funding as other Minnesota public higher education institutions. The One Minnesota Budget also provides funding for Minnesota State to increase student mental health support.

Additional details for the One Minnesota Budget are attached and can be found here .

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor will announce their plan to improve the state's infrastructure later this week.

Minnesotans from across the state shared their support for Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan's One Minnesota Budget. Below are quotes praising the Governor's budget from a bipartisan group of leaders in industry, labor, and advocacy across the state.

"Many Minnesota leaders have talked about how much they value education, but very few have been as committed as Gov. Tim Walz to providing access to a great public school to every student, no matter what they look like, or where they live," said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. "This is a bold education budget that recognizes the scale of the multi-billion-dollar challenges we're facing in Minnesota's classrooms, from staffing, to mental health, to the rising costs of educating students in poverty and with special needs. We're looking forward to working with the governor, lieutenant governor and legislators to pass an education budget that gives every student and educator, in every ZIP code, the tools they need to succeed."

"Governor Walz has put forth a budget that will improve the lives of workers across our state. Paid family and medical leave and earned sick and safe time will positively impact the lives of all Minnesotans," said Bernie Burnham, President, MN AFL-CIO.

"We appreciate the Governor's proposal to boost funding for early childhood scholarships, which have proven to be our best tool to help underserved children access high-quality early childhood programs," said Charlie Weaver, Executive Director, Minnesota Business Partnership.

"With the historic budget surplus and the leadership of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan, I'm hopeful that this could be the strongest ag budget in memory," said Gary Wertish, President of Minnesota Farmers Union. "Throughout his first term, Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen did important work to make sure department programs met the needs of our family farmer members. What we've seen of this budget request builds on that work, investing in a distributed meat processing system, helping farmers implement voluntary soil health practices, building out biofuels infrastructure, and supporting new and emerging farmers. We're also glad to see the Governor propose securing the future of the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) account, which has helped establish Minnesota as a leader in agriculture and is important to our members. We look forward to seeing the rest of the budget next week."

"We're grateful to see Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan continue their leadership on establishing a MinnesotaCare public option," continued Gary Wertish. "For too long, farmers and other entrepreneurs and small business owners have faced unaffordable health insurance costs, which limits rural economic vitality. We've been advocating for this common-sense proposal for years and believe this is the year to get it done."

"I thank Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, and their Administration for proposing an historic investment to disrupt trends in homelessness for youth, adults, veterans and families. Demand for daytime and overnight emergency services is surging, and the Walz Administration recognizes that public funding has been and remains woefully inadequate to support day-to-day operating costs. The impacts of the pandemic, inflation and workforce shortages are escalating these challenges even more, seriously threatening the financial stability of emergency shelter providers like Catholic Charities that serve as the State's safety net. Immediate and significant investments in Minnesota's Emergency Services Program and Homeless Youth Act are critical for stabilizing emergency shelter and day services operations as we work to meet the rapidly increasing and complex needs of Minnesotans most in need--because homelessness has no boundaries, and neither should our response," said Michael Goar, CEO, Catholic Charities Twin Cities.

"Minnesota's housing shortages are creating adverse outcomes for individuals and families across the state and are hindering full pandemic recovery and economic expansion. Minnesota counties continue to rank housing shortages as one of the most urgent problems facing their communities. As such, counties recognize that now is the time for bold action. The Association of Minnesota Counties is grateful for Governor Walz's proposal to place significant state resources across the housing spectrum--emergency shelter, supportive, transitional, affordable and workforce housing--that will lead to better outcomes and continue moving Minnesota forward," said Association of Minnesota Counties President and Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire.

"I applaud the investments that the One Minnesota budget makes to address homelessness, make rents more affordable, build homes, and create pathways to homeownership for people in every corner of Minnesota. Everyone should have a safe, accessible, dignified place to call home and these investments will help move Minnesota closer to this reality," said Rhonda Otteson, Executive Director of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless.

"This is the boldest and most comprehensive budget for young children, their families, and early educators that we have ever seen. Through both significant direct investments and expanded tax credits the vast majority of Minnesota families will receive additional help to afford quality child care. Expanded workforce grants will support compensation in the child care field without passing that cost on to parents via tuition. A Department of Children and Families will consolidate early childhood programs from multiple state departments for better accountability, efficiency, and innovation," said Clare Sanford, Minnesota Child Care Association. "Any working parent of young children knows the stress of gut-wrenching, impossible choices when quality child care is out of reach or extremely difficult to maintain. We must do better, and this thoughtful package uses multiple levers to address this complicated issue. Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan are walking their talk. Wow. Just wow."

"Governor Walz's budget proposal is game changing for children and families. The child tax credit--which includes youth under 18--will build on the work we're doing in Saint Paul and help us achieve our shared goal of ending child poverty," said St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. "The Governor's proposal to create a new agency is an exciting and incredibly important step to ensure the ongoing coordination and prioritization necessary to make Minnesota the best state for children, youths and families."

"We support this proposal which will bolster our comprehensive approach to community safety," said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. "Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan's flexible plan recognizes that immediate safety needs vary city by city, and county by county. In Minneapolis, we will continue to prioritize police officer and 911 recruitment and retention, expansion of our violence prevention programs, and support for mental health response services. We appreciate this partnership and look forward to a quick passage of this public safety proposal."

"Governor Walz's investment in child care will go a long way towards addressing the more than 42,000 child care slot shortage in Greater Minnesota. The investment in the Economic Development Child Care grants, which have proven successful at helping to create new child care slots and retain existing child care providers across the state, will empower communities to address this crisis in innovative ways," said Scott McMahon, Executive Director, Greater Minnesota Partnership.

"Working across public and private sectors to connect people to a more sustainable future of flight continues to be a key focus of Delta's sustainability strategy," said Peter Carter, Delta's Executive Vice President of External Affairs. "Delta commends Governor Walz for prioritizing investment in sustainable aviation fuel to help make Minnesota a leader in developing solutions to accelerate the aviation industry's path to net zero."

"The historic level of funding for reproductive and sexual health services in Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan's budget is critical to meeting the state's goal to increase access and decrease barriers to family planning services for thousands of Minnesotans. Prioritizing reproductive and sexual health ultimately reduces the incidence of unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, infertility and cervical cancer. This funding ensures stability for clinics across the state, urban and rural, working to provide culturally appropriate, inclusive and evidence-based services for the most vulnerable in their communities," said Becky Twamley, Board Chair, Reproductive Health Alliance Executive Director, WeARE, Brainerd.

"Planned Parenthood North Central States applauds Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan for this historic investment in the decades-long Family Planning Special Project grant program. Family Planning grants are essential in ensuring all Minnesotans, especially the most vulnerable, can access critical family planning services, like birth control, pelvic exams, breast exams, pap spears, HIV testing, and STI testing and treatment. Family Planning grants make it possible for Minnesotans to access the health care they need when they need it, so that they can live healthy lives," said Tim Stanley, Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood North Central States.

"Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan's housing package is the largest investment in housing and homelessness in state history and addresses the urgent and widespread housing needs of all Minnesotans. By providing resources to local government, Tribal Nations, and nonprofit organizations, this budget will increase the amount and affordability of housing, as well as make sure housing is accessible to everyone. It is focused on preventing homelessness whenever possible and providing the kinds of services and supports people need to find and keep their housing. With this budget, we can finish the job of ending veteran homelessness and ensure children and youth have a safe, stable place to call home," said Cathy ten Broeke, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness.

"We are grateful for the investments being proposed by this administration to improve the health and wellbeing of all Minnesotans," said Elizabeth A. Rogers, MD, MAS, Board Secretary of Minnesota Doctors for Health Equity. "Longstanding structural racism and systemic inequities that have driven disparate outcomes in the state require comprehensive changes and meaningful solutions. Investing in building our healthcare systems and society in a way that centers health equity is an important step toward tangible change."

"The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians supports Gov. Walz's increased investment in primary care services. If Minnesotans want to control health care costs, ensuring access to affordable, primary care services is critical. Removing financial barriers for patients to access primary care promotes prevention and the management of acute and chronic conditions in the most const effective manner," said Dr. Alex Vosooney, President of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians.

"Substance use disorder is a public health crisis that has impacted every community across Minnesota. I am thankful for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor's continued investments to combat this epidemic. Through expanding access to prevention and supportive services and making investments to disproportionately impacted communities, this budget will go a long way to providing the support that Minnesotans urgently need," said Jeremy Drucker, Addiction and Recovery Director.

"African Americans, American Indians, and people with disabilities face more health inequities than their counterparts. Focused efforts in building capacity towards change are needed now, more than ever," said Tim Beebe, PhD, Interim Dean and Mayo Professor, University of Minnesota School of Public Health. "The Governor and Lieutenant Governor's proposed plans and programs to improve African American and American Indian health, coordinate culturally-centered public health messaging, and create critical infrastructure to alleviate disability-related health disparities will help ensure that health is a right that can be enjoyed by ALL Minnesotans."

"The Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers supports the funding for the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account and looks forward to working with Homeland Security & Emergency Management to have the funds to assist recovery from disasters throughout the state of Minnesota," said the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers President Blain Johnson.

"Gun violence in all its forms continues to devastate families and communities across the country and right here in Minnesota," said Kathleen Anderson, a volunteer with the Minnesota chapter of Moms Demand Action. "We thank Governor Walz for prioritizing gun violence prevention measures in the One Minnesota Budget package. Guns are the number one killer of children across the nation. We look forward to continuing working with the Governor in the fight against the gun violence epidemic."

"Giffords applauds the leadership of Governor Walz in taking steps to fight gun violence in Minnesota by including a firearms safety package in his public safety budget. We applaud his courageous leadership and urge the legislature to join the Governor's campaign against gun violence," said Agustin Cabrera, Giffords State Legislative Manager.

"Protect Minnesota enthusiastically endorses the vitally important, sensible gun violence prevention proposals included in the public safety reforms announced today," said Maggiy Emery, Interim Executive Director of Protect Minnesota. "Expanding Criminal Background Checks to private gun sales to ensure a prospective buyer can legally possess a firearm is a practical method to reduce the sale of guns to prohibited purchasers. Extreme Risk Protection Order laws give family members -- who are often the first to see dangerous warning signs that their loved one is likely to hurt themselves or another -- a way to petition a court for a temporary order to prevent the individual from accessing a gun, thereby reducing the likelihood they will shoot themselves or another person. As an organization rooted in public health, we believe in the importance of reliance on data-driven public policy, and these long-overdue initiatives are proven means of reducing gun violence."

"The Minnesota Medical Association, with more than 10,000 members across the state, strongly supports the package proposed by Gov. Walz to reduce the number of Minnesotans injured or killed by firearms. Physicians treat Minnesotans who are harmed or killed by firearms every day. This is a public health issue. The fact that most firearm deaths in Minnesota are a result of suicide strongly supports his recommendation to empower law enforcement to temporarily remove a gun from a person who is a harm to themself or to others," said Minnesota Medical Association President Dr. Will Nicholson.

"When Minnesota's children thrive, Minnesota thrives.  We are thrilled to see that reality reflected in the Walz-Flanagan budget proposal. Significantly reducing child poverty on the path to eliminating it entirely is both the morally and economically the right thing to do," said Alisha Porter, State Director, Children's Defense Fund Minnesota.   "In this time of plenty, hunger, housing instability, mental health challenges, learning loss, the caregiving crisis and so much more create barriers to success for too many Minnesota children, especially those from our Black, Indigenous and other communities of color.  While everyone talks about the importance of our children, this budget puts the money on the line and walks the talk."

"We are thrilled that Governor Walz & Lt. Governor Flanagan are making comprehensive, statewide paid family and medical leave a priority in their budget proposal. All Minnesota workers, families and businesses will be better off when they have the support they need to care for themselves or a loved one during a major medical emergency, adoption, pregnancy or end of life care," said Doran Schrantz, Executive Director of ISAIAH.

"Creating an agency dedicated to stabilizing, unifying, and advancing programs dedicated to supporting children from birth through adolescence is a necessary step toward ensuring all Minnesota families can thrive. This step demonstrates just how serious the Walz-Flanagan Administration is about our kids," Schranz continued.

"We are excited to see the Governor and Lt. Governor propose increased investments in youth, such as the after-school community learning grant program being reinstated, tax credits for families with children and youth, and prevention and intervention community programs supporting youth, and for the creation of a state agency that will be able to serve as a hub and advocate for youth in state government" said Youthprise President Marcus Pope.

"The Governor's proposed budget represents historic and unprecedented investments in Minnesota's children. These commitments to our youngest Minnesotans will strengthen our families and communities and represent a dramatic step forward in the fight to end childhood poverty," said Jessica Webster, Staff Attorney, Legal Services Advocacy Project.

"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 budget proposal. In particular, $10M/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 for years ahead. 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," said Dianne Haulcy and Rinal Ray, Co-Chairs Voices and Choices Coalition Steering Committee.

"NAMI Minnesota is pleased with the Governor's investments in children's mental health. We know that our children and youth are struggling, and these funding increases will help begin address their needs," said Sue Abderholden, MPH, Executive Director, NAMI Minnesota.

"These investments will support Minnesotans across the state get access to nutritious foods, especially at a time when demand continues to rise. I am grateful for Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan for their commitment to food security for the people of Minnesota," said Allison O'Toole, CEO, Second Harvest Heartland.

"Family Resource Centers are family-based, community-specific solutions to the everyday problems that families face. Scott County families, residents and taxpayers all benefit from this work that involves and assists families to learn, grow and address problems with a minimum of government intervention. My hope is that the growth and success of our Family Resource Centers will result in decreased child poverty, the end of child abuse and neglect, and healthier families in Scott County," said Commissioner Weckman Brekke, Scott County, MN.

"This is the kind of investment that we need to make for children and families. It centering children and families in the decisions our government makes and focuses financial decisions on them. This is the way to run government for children and families, and I appreciate the governor and lieutenant governor making these investments for Minnesotans," said Colleen Moriarty, Executive Director, Hunger Solutions of Minnesota.

"When Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan launched the Children's Cabinet in 2019, they directed their agencies to center children and families in state government," said Erin Bailey, Executive Director of the Governor's Children's Cabinet. "By proposing a state agency solely focused on children and families, the Walz-Flanagan One Minnesota Budget delivers on that promise. The creation of a new agency puts us on the path to having one front door for families and gives our children and youth a sustained voice as a cabinet-level agency. I am grateful for Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan's bold action to address the needs of Minnesota's kids and families."

"This is a true inflection point for our state: after years of economic disruption, we have a rare opportunity to create an equitable, inclusive, and resilient economy. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan understand the importance of investing in Minnesota's people, centering equity, and growing economic opportunities for workers and small businesses. This a welcome down payment on the future of our state," said Paul Williams, president and CEO of Project for Pride in Living and co-chair of the Governor's Council on Economic Expansion.

"Our goal for this contract was to make history and make Minnesota a leader in this industry. I am so proud we worked with Governor Walz's team to make this huge change for so many families and restored hope in our industry. Raising wages and making this a real career gives me hope that I'll be able to get help and more people will want to do this important work. The changes in this agreement will open the door to ensuring you can earn a living while expressing love and compassion for other people by doing care work. It's a relief to me, as a mother and a family caregiver, that we now have a path to bring other people in who choose to do this work. We can't wait for this to get passed as part of Governor Walz's budget," said Kerry Adelmann, a family caregiver who has cared for her disabled son for the last seven years and member of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and Iowa.

"We all want Minnesota schools to be the best in the world," said Kelly Gibbons, Executive Director of SEIU Local 284. "Ensuring stable & quality staffing is how we do this because it's good for the workers and even better for the kids. We're so happy to see Governor Walz & Lt. Governor Flanagan continue to demonstrate their commitment to ending the unfair exclusion of school workers from the unemployment system. Their budget will address the staffing crisis in our schools by making sure that the Minnesotans who clean our schools, drive the busses, make the meals and support students and teachers in myriad ways have access to the same basic social safety net that most Minnesotans take for granted. We're proud to partner with them to finally make this policy a reality!"

"No matter where you live or how much you earn, all Minnesotans should have affordable healthcare. Thank you, Governor Walz, for expanding access to the public MinnesotaCare program. It provides low-cost insurance with great coverage and will keep families safe and healthy. Whether you are a mother like me, worried about kids aging off your plan, or a home care worker who can only afford a high-deductible private insurance plan on MNSure, this proposal provides better care for working families," said Kate Lynch, a LPN and member of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa.

"Minnesota nursing home workers are facing a staffing crisis with too few workers to give our seniors the care they need. Governor Walz's Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board would bring workers, employers, and government regulators together and give them the power to set minimum standards, like a minimum wage for their industry. This would be a huge step towards addressing the crisis that is hurting workers, residents and our whole community. Not only does this make sure taxpayer dollars support good jobs, but we can only solve the staffing crisis by giving workers more power to raise standards for all," said Jared Mituga, a nursing home worker and member of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa.

"This budget announcement reflects Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan's commitment to invest and strengthening Minnesota's tradition of welcoming immigrants. Unidos Mn will continue to work to advance these and other pro-immigrant priorities this legislative session and look forward to working in partnership with this administration and building a strong One MN for all," said Emilia González Avalos, Executive Director, Unidos MN.

"The governor's budget, shared today, includes historic general fund support to jumpstart overdue updating of Minnesota's outdated public water accesses and fish hatchery systems," said MN-FISH President Ron Schara. "It's clear the governor understands the importance of fishing in our culture and its $4.4 billion annual economic impact in the state."

"Gov. Walz's budget demonstrates he listens to and reacts to real challenges," said MN-FISH Executive Director Mark Holsten. "This is a big first step in ensuring Minnesota continues to offer great fishing now and into the future."

"Freshwater is grateful for the focused attention on climate from this administration," said Dr. Carrie Jennings, Research and Policy Director for Freshwater. "The changes in weather that we are already experiencing stress both the built and natural water environments. We must build resilience to protect previous investments and to find a sustainable path forward."

"Climate change affects us all: families, businesses, parents and children, cities and towns," said Executive Director of Conservation Minnesota Paul Austin. "Governor Walz's climate budget and priorities demonstrate a clear recognition of not only the climate challenges ahead but also the opportunities."

"The Nature Conservancy applauds this climate action proposal and its significant investments in natural climate solutions," said Ann Mulholland, director of The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota. "Minnesotans love our lands and waters. And we protect what we love. Bold investments in natural climate solutions such as planting more trees and cover crops will help Minnesota achieve its climate goals while also providing co-benefits like clean air and water, protection against drought and flooding, improved soil health, jobs and income, habitat for fish and wildlife and more opportunities for outdoor recreation."

"The biofuel infrastructure funding proposed by Governor Walz will help boost access to lower-cost, cleaner-burning E15 and higher-blend biofuels such as E85. Not only do these biofuel blends help Minnesotans save money at the pump; they also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive economic vitality for farmers and rural communities. We thank Governor Walz for including this funding in his budget and look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature to advance policies that increase access to biofuels," said Richard Syverson, President, Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

"MSGA applauds Governor Walz on his continued leadership on biofuels. This investment in infrastructure ensures biofuels will continue to be at the forefront of the state's discussion on reducing carbon, which the biodiesel mandate is already doing today," said Minnesota Soy Growers Association.

"The Office for Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls is a step towards healing for us all. The Brittany Clardy Foundation is in support of the office as a centralized vision to healing for the black community in Minnesota. We are leaders in Minnesota for changing the narrative on social justice and race related conflict for the whole nation. We envision a space supported by community for community. This resource is a start to walking alongside victims, their families, and survivors with authenticity, integrity, and solidarity in collaboration with community stakeholders, for public safety. Because when Black women and girls are safe, Everyone is safe!," said Lakeisha Lee, Chair of the Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls Task Force.

"Everybody should have the safety, security and dignity of a home. Hennepin County welcomes the historic investments in housing and homelessness proposed today. We have seen time and again that, when we can offer resources, we can keep people in their homes and help others exit homeless for good," said David Hewitt, Director of Housing Stability, Hennepin County.

"Governor Walz has provided consistent leadership toward ending Minnesota's failed policy of cannabis prohibition and replacing it, and the illicit cannabis market, with a well-regulated legal cannabis industry that prioritizes safety, equity, and local businesses. As bills to legalize adult-use cannabis and expunge criminal records for non-violent cannabis crimes move through the House and Senate, we look forward to working with Governor Walz to enact this critical legislation in 2023," said Leili Fatehi, MN Is Ready Campaign Manager.

"On behalf of our over 50 partners in reproductive healthcare and 20,000 patients and community members served, Family Tree Clinic is deeply supportive of the Governor's Budget that includes the doubling of Family Planning and Special Projects (FPSP) funding. This critical funding will help to provide Minnesotans with access to high quality reproductive healthcare. Without this funding increase our essential community clinics are at risk of closing our doors. The impact on health disparities would be devastating. Collectively, we provide life changing, life affirming, life saving care. The FPSP funding increase proposed, ensures that we are able to continue providing access to healthcare --- reducing health disparities and fostering thriving, healthy families and communities," said Annie Van Avery, Executive Director, Family Tree Clinic.

"We are grateful to Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan for putting Minnesota's families at the center of their budget. To ensure that all women, girls, and their families can thrive; we need to make historic investments in community-based healing and reproductive healthcare, paid family and medical leave, and access to child care,"
said Gloria Perez, President and CEO of the Women's Foundation of Minnesota.

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