Tim Walz Archives - The Minnesota Sun

Parents Sue Minnesota Government for Barring Colleges with ‘Faith Statements’ from State Funding Program

May 26, 2023May 25, 2023 Minnesota Sun Staff

A group of parents in Minnesota filed a lawsuit against Democratic Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday over a new law amending the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program to prohibit granting funds to schools that require a “faith statement.”

Walz signed a $72 billion budget Wednesday that included an amendment to the PSEO program, barring students who wish to attend a school requiring a “faith statement” from using funds from the program, according to the budget. Several parents filed a lawsuit later that day with Becket Law against the governor, state Commissioner Of Education Willie Jett and the state Department of Education (DOE) over the new rule, arguing that it unfairly discriminates against their children who wish to attend Christian colleges.

Minnesota Legislature Repass Paid Family and Medical Leave with 2026 Implementation Date

May 20, 2023May 19, 2023 Admin

The House and Senate voted this week to pass a conference report amending HF2, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, that will tax employers and employees to help fund a new, state-run paid leave insurance program.

As amended by a DFL-only conference committee, the version of the bill that will head to Gov. Tim Walz for signature now includes a provision agreed upon by conferees to implement payroll taxes for the program on Jan. 1, 2026. Conferees also agreed to dedicate nearly $650 million in existing state revenue in 2024 as “seed money” for the program so that the state can begin providing those benefits in 2026.

‘Proud of Minnesota’: Children’s Hospital Endorses ‘Trans Refuge’ Legislation

May 4, 2023May 3, 2023 Minnesota Sun Staff

Children’s Minnesota celebrated Gov. Tim Walz signing a bill into law last week that makes Minnesota a “safe haven” for children seeking puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.

Two “kid experts” from Children’s Minnesota, a pediatric health care organization, were invited to “witness” the governor sign two bills into law.

Gays Against Groomers to Open Minnesota Chapter to Fight ‘Grave Abuse Being Done to Children’

April 26, 2023April 25, 2023 Admin

An organization that fights against the “sexualization, indoctrination, and medicalization” of children is speaking out against the “freak show” in St. Paul.

Jaimee Michell, the founder and CEO of Gays Against Groomers, called it the “stuff of nightmares.”

Kim Potter Scheduled to Be Released from Prison Monday

April 21, 2023April 20, 2023 Minnesota Sun Staff

After serving 16 months behind bars, online records show Kim Potter is scheduled to be released from prison on Monday. However, the Department of Corrections says the time “has yet to be established.”

The former Brooklyn Center police officer was convicted in December 2021 of first- and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Daunte Wright. Potter accidentally grabbed her gun instead of her Taser on a traffic stop where Wright tried to flee.

Minnesota Gov. Walz Promotes Sexually Graphic Book at Reading Event

March 25, 2023March 24, 2023 Admin

In his latest attempt to raise his national profile, Gov. Tim Walz took shots at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday, saying the Republican’s state is “where freedom goes to die.”

The remarks were made during an event to promote reading month, where Walz unveiled a Little Free Library outside of his office.

Minnesota Lawmakers Agree to $17.9 Billion Target

March 23, 2023March 22, 2023 The Center Square

Minnesota lawmakers agreed to spend an additional $17.9 billion on top of the base budget of $52.4 billion, likely depleting the state’s current $17.2 billion surplus.

The target includes $3 billion in tax breaks but doesn’t specify how relief will be delivered.

Minnesota Considers Bill That Provides Free School Meals to All Students

March 16, 2023March 15, 2023 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minnesota is poised to become just the third state in the nation to provide free school meals for all students. But it will come at a taxpayer cost of about $200 million a year, regardless of whether a family has any trouble at all paying for their kids’ breakfast and lunch — which amounts to about $6 a day.

On Tuesday four Republicans joined 34 DFLers as the Minnesota Senate voted 38-26 to pass a universal school meals bill that Gov. Tim Walz has said he’ll sign when it reaches his desk. Last month the House passed the bill by a 70-54 vote. No Republicans in the House supported the measure.

Minnesota Bill Would Prohibit Colleges from Requiring a Faith Statement for Postsecondary Enrollment Options Students

March 11, 2023March 10, 2023 Admin

A proposal to bar colleges that require a statement of faith from participating in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program is buried within Gov. Tim Walz’s education policy bill.

The Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act allows Minnesota high school students to earn both high school and college credits for free, since the schools are reimbursed by the state.

Star Tribune Hires Walz Commissioner Steve Grove as Its Next Publisher

February 19, 2023February 18, 2023 Admin

The Star Tribune, one of the largest daily newspapers in America, has named Steve Grove — a former Google executive, consistent donor to Democrat politicians and often the right-hand man to Gov. Tim Walz — as its new publisher.

The Star Tribune, which announced the hiring on Tuesday, joins The Washington Post as the only two traditional print media outlets among the nation’s top 25 (measured by circulation) whose publisher or CEO has past political ties, according to a background search conduct

Minnesota Pregnancy Centers Fight for Survival amid Threats from State

February 11, 2023February 10, 2023 Admin

Pregnancy resource centers across Minnesota are defending their work as their funding is about to take a severe cut.

Minnesota Supreme Court Says Lower Court Erred in Rejecting Emergency Powers Lawsuit

February 10, 2023February 9, 2023 Minnesota Sun Staff

The Minnesota Supreme Court ordered the lower courts Wednesday to address the question of whether Gov. Tim Walz had the authority to declare a peacetime emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The high court called this question an “important issue of statewide significance that should be decided immediately.”

Minnesota Democrats Celebrate New Law Enshrining Abortion at Anytime During Pregnancy

February 1, 2023 Susan Berry, PhD

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) signed legislation Tuesday that has been condemned by the pro-life community as the most extreme abortion measure in the nation, one that creates a “fundamental right” to abortion at any time during pregnancy, and denies parents the right to know if their minor daughter undergoes an abortion.

Minnesota Licensure Board to Require All Teachers to Personally Affirm Critical Race Theory and Gender Ideology

January 14, 2023January 13, 2023 Susan Berry, PhD

Minnesota’s Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) has set new rules for aspiring teachers that require them to personally avow the tenets of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and gender ideology in order to be permitted to teach in government schools.

Governor Tim Walz’s (D) PELSB’s Adopted Permanent Rules Relating to Licensing and Academic Standards have been updated to require, as of 2024, that Minnesota teachers are committed to personally affirm what the licensure board considers the proper “diverse perspectives on race, culture, language, sexual identity, ability,” etc. with their students in order to maintain a license.

Despite Projected $17 Billion Surplus, Minnesota DFL Pitches Payroll Tax Hike

January 14, 2023January 13, 2023 The Center Square

Despite a projected $17.6 billion surplus, Gov. Tim Walz pitched a future payroll tax hike to fund paid family and medical leave in his soon-to-be released budget plan.

Walz said $1.7 billion of surplus seed money would start the program, funded in the future by a payroll tax.

Jan Malcolm, Three Others to Depart Walz Administration

November 18, 2022November 17, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Four members of Gov. Tim Walz’s cabinet won’t seek reappointment during his second term, including Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm and Education Commissioner Heather Mueller.

Both faced criticism from Republicans for their handling of two major crises on Walz’s watch: the COVID-19 pandemic and the Feeding Our Future scandal.

Walz Defeats Jensen, Holds on for Second Term

November 9, 2022November 9, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Gov. Tim Walz won a second term in office Tuesday night, beating back a challenge from Dr. Scott Jensen in what was a disappointing night for Republicans locally and nationally.

Soaring inflation and rising crime were expected to carry Republicans to victory, but the opposite happened as Walz cruised to a win and the DFL was on the verge of claiming both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature as of late Tuesday night.

Sheriff Fletcher to Minnesota Legislators: Act Now Before It’s Too Late

October 28, 2022October 27, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Law enforcement leaders and victims held a press conference Wednesday to urge Gov. Tim Walz to call a special session focused on “reducing crime across the state.”

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher is leading the charge and was joined by Ramsey County Undersheriff Mike Martin, a husband of a carjacking victim, and the mother of a repeat juvenile offender.

Pollster: ‘Real Possibility’ GOP Takes Three Statewide Wins

October 24, 2022October 23, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Trafalgar Group chief strategist Robert Cahaly joined Liz Collin on her podcast to discuss the results of a new poll that found Dr. Scott Jensen narrowly leading Gov. Tim Walz in Minnesota.

Jensen Takes Lead in Minnesota Governor’s Race

October 22, 2022October 21, 2022 Admin

A new Alpha News/Trafalgar Group poll has Republican Dr. Scott Jensen narrowly leading Gov. Tim Walz less than three weeks before the midterm election.

Nearly 55% of likely Minnesota voters disapprove of President Joe Biden, an almost identical result to the findings of a Sept. 14 poll.

Gov. Walz on 2020 Riots: ‘I’m Proud of Minnesota’s Response’

October 20, 2022October 19, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Republican opponent Dr. Scott Jensen faced off for their second debate Tuesday night.

The debate, which was only available online for most Minnesotans, was hosted by Gray Television in the Rochester, Duluth, Mankato, and Fargo markets.

Minnesota Democratic Candidates Under Fire for Ducking Debates

October 9, 2022October 8, 2022 Admin

Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon are facing backlash after they both declined to participate in a televised debate on TPT Almanac.

According to MPR and TPT Almanac host Cathy Wurzer, Simon was scheduled to participate in a debate Friday with Republican challenger Kim Crockett but canceled at the last minute, citing a scheduling conflict.

Minnesota Gov. Walz Declines Four Debate Invites, Jensen Says

August 17, 2022August 16, 2022 Admin

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is declining to participate in additional debates, Republican challenger Dr. Scott Jensen said in a press release Monday.

Walz and Jensen have only debated once so far this campaign season, meeting for the first time at FarmFest in early August. Since then, the governor has declined to participate in four additional debates, one at the Minnesota State Fair, another at Game Fair, a third with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, and a fourth on TPT Almanac, according to Jensen.

State Report Confirms Violent Crime Skyrocketed on Walz’s Watch

August 14, 2022August 13, 2022 Admin

Gov. Tim Walz’s administration waited until nearly 4 p.m. on a Friday afternoon to release a report showing violent crime has soared in Minnesota in back-to-back years.

In its annual uniform crime report for 2021, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) said violent crime increased by 21.6 percent last year, a bigger jump than the 16.6 percent increase seen in 2020.

Minnesotans Urge Walz to Commute Kim Potter’s Sentence

July 6, 2022July 5, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

A longtime friend and colleague of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter is leading the charge to get her released from prison.

In a Facebook post, Becky Boie, a former crime prevention specialist for the Brooklyn Center Police Department, called on Minnesotans to push Gov. Tim Walz to commute Potter’s sentence.

Boie urged people to send letters, emails, and make phone calls to Walz’s office. She also encouraged them to contact their local state lawmakers.

One Minnesota: Thousands Reported on Neighbors Using Tattle-Tale Hotline During Pandemic

July 4, 2022July 3, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

A hotline set up by Gov. Tim Walz’s administration to monitor compliance with his 2020 stay-at-home order generated thousands of reports from Minnesotans who snitched on their neighbors for things like playing basketball in a park, walking their dogs, and throwing small parties.

The hotline was launched in March 2020 and law enforcement continued to monitor it until November, well after the stay-at-home order ended. In October 2020, it was used to alert authorities to a church service that didn’t fit with the governor’s “legal requirements.” This type of complaint was not uncommon.

Walz Commissioner Expresses ‘Deep Disagreement’ with Dobbs Decision in Staff-Wide Email

June 26, 2022June 25, 2022 Admin

One of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s agency heads expressed his “deep disagreement” with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in a staff-wide email Friday.

“I know that for so many of you, in particular women in our agency, this is a very difficult day. My heart is with you, and I share a deep disagreement with the court’s decision today,” Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove wrote from his state email address to all agency staff, according to an email obtained by Alpha News.

Lawsuit Challenges Walz’s Adoption of Clean Car Rules

June 16, 2022June 15, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minnesota car dealers are suing a state agency over its adoption of a rule requiring automakers to supply the market with more low- and zero-emission vehicles.

On behalf of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA), the Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) has filed a lawsuit against the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) with the state’s court of appeals.

Minnesota Gov. Walz Appointee Reduces Bail from $5 Million to $100,000 for Man Who Shot at Police

June 15, 2022June 14, 2022 Admin

A man who shot at police because he was “frustrated” after driving drunk with his pregnant wife in the passenger seat had his bail reduced from $5 million to $100,000.

Pablo Nava Jaimes, 30, allegedly fired at least 10 rounds at police during a pursuit while leaving a barbecue after “8 or 9 beers” on June 5, according to a criminal complaint. The report also states he “took full responsibility” for the shooting after he was apprehended.

Qualls Returns to TakeCharge, Stanek Drops Out

June 4, 2022June 3, 2022 Admin

The battle for the governor’s mansion will come down to Republican Dr. Scott Jensen and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.

Former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek skipped the endorsement process and planned to run in the Republican primary against Jensen, but he didn’t submit his paperwork to the Secretary of State’s Office by Tuesday’s filing deadline.

Minnesota Man Shot at Police, Was Beaten, Sued City, Wins $1.5 Million

May 21, 2022May 20, 2022 Admin

A St. Paul man who shot at police during the riots following George Floyd’s death will be paid $1.5 million plus legal fees by the city of Minneapolis.

Jaleel Stallings opened fire on police on May 30, 2020 after they first fired nonlethal ordinance at him from an unmarked vehicle. The officers were enforcing a curfew during the George Floyd riots. Stallings claimed he was acting in self defense, not knowing the police were in fact law enforcement officers. He instead thought they were some of the “white supremacists” Governor Tim Walz had warned were stalking the city during the riots, per the Star Tribune.

Democratic Governor’s Group Pledges $75 Million to Reelect Seven Governors

May 8, 2022May 7, 2022 The Center Square

The Democratic Governors Association on Wednesday pledged $75 million for ad buys on behalf of reelection efforts for seven Democrat incumbent governors.

Tony Evers’ reelection campaign gained $21 million in Wisconsin. The group is also promising to spend $2.5 million to reelect New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham; $4.5 million to reelect Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz; $5 million to reelect Colorado Gov. Jared Polis; $5 million to reelect Maine Gov. Janet Mills; $10 million to reelect Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak; and $23 million to reelect Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Governor Walz Signs New Executive Order Focusing on Addressing Addiction, Opioid Epidemic

April 8, 2022April 7, 2022 Kaitlin Housler

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 22-07 on Thursday, launching a new interagency subcabinet and advisory council to combat the opioid and addiction epidemic in Minnesota, according to a press release by Walz’s office.

Opponents Blocked from Testifying on DFL’s Clean Fuel Bill, Say It Will Increase Prices

April 3, 2022April 2, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

A Republican representative blasted a House committee chair this week for not allowing groups with opposing views to testify against a clean fuel standards bill.

House File 2083 seeks to bring California’s clean fuel standard to Minnesota in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2035. Enforcing the standard could raise gas prices by 20 cents a gallon, according to research from the Center of the American Experiment.

The House Climate and Energy Committee held an informational hearing on the bill Tuesday and allowed several pro-climate justice groups to testify in favor of the bill.

Minnesota Governor Proposes Using Budget Surplus for Stimulus Checks for Taxpayers

April 1, 2022March 31, 2022 The Center Square

Many Minnesota taxpayers would receive stimulus checks under a bill Assistant Majority Leader State Rep. Dan Wolgamott, DFL-St. Cloud, introduced Tuesday.

Single filers and married individuals who filed a separate return would receive $500, and married couples filing jointly or individual head of household filers would receive a one-time payment of $1,000. The stimulus checks could start arriving in mailboxes by late summer, a news release from Wolgamott’s office said.

Republican Party of Minnesota Calls Out Governor Walz, Democrats for ‘Playing Politics’ with Taxes

March 13, 2022March 21, 2022 Kaitlin Housler

On Wednesday, Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann called out Governor Walz and the Democrats for their “continued political gimmicks regarding taxes on Minnesotans amidst rising energy prices and a historic state budget surplus.”

Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Says Minnesota Gov. Walz Trying to ‘Buy Election’ with ‘Walz Checks’

January 27, 2022January 26, 2022 Hayley Feland

A Minnesota gubernatorial candidate released a statement saying Governor Tim Walz (D) is trying to buy the election with Walz checks. Kendall Qualls said, “Governor Walz is trying to buy the election with ‘Walz checks’ without providing any actual economic relief for Minnesota families.”

State Rep. Munson Responds to New Minnesota COVID Vaccine Incentives for Kids: ‘Bribery and Coercion’

January 14, 2022January 13, 2022 Hayley Feland

State Representative Jeremy Munson (R-Lake Crystal) responded to Minnesota’s new COVID vaccine incentives for kids, calling it bribery and coercion. The State of Minnesota and Gov. Tim Walz (D) announced that they will be giving every family of 5 to 11 year old children $200 for getting fully vaccinated in the months of January and February.

Minnesota Democratic Legislators Make Statements on One Year Anniversary of January 6

January 7, 2022January 6, 2022 Hayley Feland

Several Minnesota Democrat legislators made statements on the one year anniversary of January 6, 2021, where several protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building during the certification of the 2020 presidential election. All the remarks held a common theme, calling out the event as “insurrection” and an “attack on democracy.”

Minnesota Seeks to Lower Sentencing Guidelines, Major Pushback from Republican Lawmakers

December 19, 2021December 18, 2021 Hayley Feland

Minnesota is seeking to lower sentencing guidelines with a new proposal that gets rid of the points system that Minnesota has operated on. The current guidelines give each perpetrator points based on the type of crime and how many previous crimes have been committed. The more points a convicted criminal has, the longer the sentence.

EXCLUSIVE: Lisa Hanson Files Writ of Habeas Corpus with United States District Court of Minnesota

December 15, 2021December 15, 2021 Hayley Feland

A Writ of Habeas Corpus has been filed against two sheriffs in charged of handling the incarceration of Melissa “Lisa” Hanson as of Tuesday morning. Hanson, who represented herself sui juris, was charged and convicted last Thursday with six counts of violating executive orders and sentenced to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. for opening her restaurant during Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) COVID emergency shutdown.

Two Gubernatorial Candidates Respond to the Conviction and Jailing of Minnesota Business Woman Lisa Hanson

December 11, 2021December 10, 2021 Hayley Feland

Two gubernatorial candidates, Dr. Scott Jensen and Dr. Neil Shah, responded to the announcement that business owner Melissa “Lisa” Hanson was convicted and jailed for violating Governor Tim Walz’s (D) COVID emergency orders. Jensen posted a video to Twitter, where he called the conviction and sentencing saying, “SO WRONG!”

Judge Berates Albert Lea Bistro Owner: ‘You Just Wanted to Make Money During a Global Pandemic,’ Gives Her 90 Days, $1,000 Fine for Violating Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Indoor Service Ban

December 10, 2021December 9, 2021 Hayley Feland

The owner of the Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro began her 90-day jail sentence Thursday after a jury found her guilty of violating COVID-19 emergency orders from Democrat Gov. Timothy J. “Tim” Walz at her Freeborn County District Court trial.

Melissa “Lisa” Hanson represented herself sui juris, while she was prosecuted by Albert Lea’s City Attorney Kelly Martinez on six of the nine misdemeanors charges against her.

All six of the counts were for willfully violating the governor’s November 2020 executive orders, which prohibited serving alcohol indoors.

Opening Arguments Delivered in Criminal Trial of Minnesota Businesswoman Who Defied COVID Lockdown

December 9, 2021December 9, 2021 Hayley Feland

exterior of a restaurant known as The Interchange

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The opening arguments were delivered in Melissa “Lisa” Hanson’s trial on Wednesday. Albert Lea City Attorney Kelly Martinez and Hanson, who is representing herself sui juris, made opening statements and Martinez introduced five of her witnesses.

Jury Selection Finishes in Albert Lea Criminal Trial of Minnesota Small Business Owner Lisa Hanson

December 8, 2021December 8, 2021 Hayley Feland

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The jury selection finished in the criminal trial of Melissa “Lisa” Hanson on Tuesday evening, after a full day of interviews. Hanson and the City Attorney Kelly Martinez chose six jurors to serve and two back up jurors.

Albert Lea Woman Stands Trial on Criminal Charges for Opening Restaurant During COVID

December 7, 2021December 7, 2021 Hayley Feland

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – Monday was the scheduled start to the trial against Minnesota restaurant owner, Melissa “Lisa” Hanson, who is charged with nine misdemeanors after she opened her restaurant in violation of Governor Tim Walz’s (D) COVID orders in 2020.

Minnesota Democratic Lawmakers Respond to First Fully Vaccinated Omicron COVID Case: ‘Get Vaccinated’

December 3, 2021December 2, 2021 Hayley Feland

Minnesota’s Democrat lawmakers responded to the first Omicron COVID case detected in Minnesota. To date, the case is only the second diagnosed case of the Omicron variant in the nation. The man who tested positive for Omicron was fully vaccinated and had just gotten his booster shot in early November. He contracted the virus while attending a conference in New York City in mid-November, Alpha News reported.

Governor Walz Activates 400 National Guard to Assist with Nursing Home Staff Shortages

November 23, 2021November 22, 2021 Hayley Feland

Elderly woman looking to the side of her

Governor Tim Walz (D) announced he is activating 400 National Guard members to assist with the growing staff shortage in the state’s nursing homes. “Our long-term care facilities are facing an all-hands-on-deck moment, and that’s why we are taking unprecedented action to support skilled nursing workers, residents, and patients,” said Governor Walz.

Governor Walz Initiates Special Session, Doesn’t Want to Include ‘Additional, Controversial Topics’

November 16, 2021November 15, 2021 Hayley Feland

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) says he does not want to include “additional, controversial topics” in a proposed special session. Walz finally made the move to have a special session, something that Republican lawmakers have been asking him to do for months.

In the letter to Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller (R-Winona), Walz wrote, “A special session should be focused on areas where we can find agreement, while areas of disagreement can be addressed in the regular session.” The governor is suggesting calling a special session on November 29, if Miller agrees to his terms, which confine the actions of the session to a drought relief bill, a frontline worker pay bill, and a COVID relief bill. Walz is also requiring that the session last no more than three days.

Leaked Email from Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcom in 2020 Said COVID Numbers ‘Don’t Justify Dial Backs’

November 14, 2021November 13, 2021 Hayley Feland

A leaked email from Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Commissioner Jan Malcom appears to say that the “small impacts” are not enough to justify “dial backs” to the public. The emails, sent in October of 2020, include from Malcolm to other MDH staff and one from the Chief of Staff for Governor Tim Walz (D).