Walz, Flanagan pressure lawmakers to pass summer learning plan

Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday again called on state lawmakers to pass a summer learning plan.

He and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan did so during a visit to an elementary school in Hopkins.

The $150 million proposal has been highlighted as a way to help students catch up on learning they may have missed due to COVID-19.

Walz highlights summer learning plan, urges lawmakers to pass it

It includes mental health support, summer preschool and college courses for graduating seniors.

"After a challenging year for students, I’m glad that the Minnesota House passed our education plan to help kids catch up on learning this summer," Walz said. "With the end of the school year quickly approaching, the Minnesota Senate must finish the job and pass the summer learning plan to ensure our students are ready to conquer the school year in the fall."

"Despite our best efforts, we know that our students experienced disruptions to their learning due to the pandemic," Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller added. "This summer is going to be a vital time for us to work on bridging some of the gaps that were exacerbated over the last year."

The plan has already been approved by the Minnesota House of Representatives.

More details on the summer learning package are available here.

Walz to announce loosening of COVID restrictions Thursday

During the press conference, Walz also noted he’ll make an announcement regarding COVID-19 restrictions on Thursday.

The governor didn’t provide details but said talks are ongoing over what he will announce. He did add, "Thursday’s announcement should go a long way, I think, toward moving things forward."