Governor Walz Proposes One Minnesota Budget Prioritizing Education, Health Care, Community Prosperity

Press Release

Governor Tim Walz today announced the Budget for One Minnesota -- his inaugural budget proposal for the next biennium. Governor Walz has worked as a classroom teacher, high school football coach, and served in the Army National Guard. Now, as Governor, he is committed to making sure that every family has the chance to get ahead. That's why his budget focuses on the issues that really matter to Minnesotans: bringing down the cost of health care, improving education, and ensuring communities across the state are prospering.

To watch a live stream of the announcement, click here: www.facebook.com/GovTimWalz

"After traveling thousands of miles and enjoying countless conversations across the state, it is clear to me that there are three priorities the people of Minnesota share: Education; health care; and community prosperity,"said Governor Walz. "Minnesotans want to bring down the cost of health care, provide a quality education to their children and grandchildren, and ensure communities across the state are prospering. The budget I am unveiling today will make significant strides in achieving these priorities."

"I have often said that a budget is not only a fiscal document--it's a moral document," Governor Walz continued. "This budget reflects the morals of the people of Minnesota. This is the budget Minnesotans voted for by historic margins. I am proud to unveil a budget that makes smart choices to invest in the future while maintaining a fair and balanced budget."

This budget puts forward the greatest investment in Greater Minnesota in the history of our state, while investing in some of the most meaningful state initiatives to lift up communities of color ever proposed.

"Racial, geographic, and economic disparities hold back our state from reaching its full potential,"said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. "With groundbreaking proposals to lift up Greater Minnesota communities, communities of color, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, and people of all backgrounds across our state, this budget will help build One Minnesota."

EDUCATION
Invest in Students Across Minnesota
Governor Walz is committed to making Minnesota the "Education State." He believes every child deserves a high-quality education, regardless of their race or zip code. The Governor's budget makes a historic investment of $733 million in education to close the funding gap and make sure that every child has a good teacher, can receive individual attention to meet their unique needs, and has access to the materials they need to develop the knowledge and skills to compete in today's economy. In total, the Budget for One Minnesota represents an investment of $733 million in additional pre-K through grade 12 education funding over the next two years, and $158 million in funding to support Minnesota's higher education system, including $62 million in grants to students. [READ MORE HERE]

HEALTH CARE
Increase Access to Affordable, Comprehensive Health Coverage
Every Minnesotan deserves access to quality health care at a price they can afford. That's why Governor Walz's budget includes funding to extend low-cost coverage to thousands of farmers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. The Governor's budget provides every Minnesotan with an additional health care option, encourages stability in the individual market, and makes health care more affordable in Minnesota. By leveraging the state's purchasing power, his budget lowers prescription drug prices, increases transparency and ensures access to comprehensive drug coverage statewide. [READ MORE HERE]

COMMUNITY PROSPERITY
Empower Our Communities with the Tools They Need to Succeed
Governor Walz wants to ensure every community thrives across Minnesota. His budget expands access to child care and housing that is affordable, invests in infrastructure and broadband internet, and gives local leaders the tools they need to succeed. While communities across Minnesota may look different, most share the same goals and face many of the same challenges. In total, the Budget for One Minnesota represents an investment of $432 million in community prosperity investments over the next two years, with an additional $1.9 billion in transportation and infrastructure. [READ MORE HERE]

For other issue-specific fact sheets, click here.

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