Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan Weekly Update: September 25, 2020

Friday, September 25, 2020

This week…

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan continued their Statewide Safe Learning Tour, visiting schools in Moorhead and St. Cloud. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are kicking off the start of the 2020-21 school year by visiting students and educators both in-person and virtually across the state. 

Cynthia Bauerly Announces Departure After More Than Six Years as Revenue Commissioner

Tuesday, Governor Walz announced the departure of Cynthia Bauerly, the longest-serving Department of Revenue Commissioner in Minnesota history. Throughout her six-year tenure as Commissioner, Bauerly improved the state’s taxpayer outreach efforts, provided continued relief to Minnesotans during COVID-19, and protected the health care of more than 1.2 million Minnesotans by preserving the Health Care Access Fund. Governor Walz thanked Commissioner Bauerly for her years of service to Minnesota and announced an open, competitive hiring process.

Commissioner Tomes Recognized for Leadership in Technology

Minnesota’s Commissioner of IT Services (MNIT), Tarek Tomes, has been recognized by the Twin Cities CIO of the Year ORBIE Awards for excellence in technology leadership. The award honors chief information officers (CIOs) who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and excellence. “Commissioner Tomes has demonstrated leadership and a forward-looking vision amid an increasingly complicated technology era – he has certainly earned this recognition,” said Governor Walz. 

Walz Administration Announces Appointments to Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, together with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner Laura Bishop, announced appointments to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change. The Advisory Council, established by the Climate Change Executive Order (19-37) , will work together with the Climate Change Subcabinet to identify innovative policies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase climate resiliency. “Addressing climate change requires bold and creative solutions. It is my honor to appoint members to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change that represent Minnesota’s diverse strengths and our tradition of innovation in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors,” said Governor Walz.

Governor Walz signed a proclamation declaring Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day to be observed on Sunday, September 27, 2020. In honor of fallen firefighters, the Governor has also directed all United States and Minnesota flags at federal and state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on September 27.