Walz signs order relaunching Children's Cabinet

Walz signs order relaunching Children's Cabinet Photo: KSTP

Updated: August 07, 2019 01:26 PM

On Wednesday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order launching new actions and accountability for children, which will be led by a new Children's Cabinet.

The Children's Cabinet will be charged with taking a data-driven and results-oriented approach to ensuring the state's systems are aligned around services and opportunities for Minnesota children and the adults in their lives, the Walz administration said.

"The success of our state depends on our investment in the success of all our youngest Minnesotans and the creation of an environment in which they can thrive," said Walz. "We want Minnesota to be the best place to raise a family — for everyone."

The administration said the Children's Cabinet will work differently than in the past, with Gov. Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan as chairs and broad agency participation.

Walz said the cabinet will encompass children of all ages and focus on a broad range of issues, including:

Healthy beginnings (beginning with prenatal)
Child care and education (beginning with early childhood)
Mental health and well-being
Housing stability

The cabinet will also work to coordinate, streamline and align programs with strategies while promoting action and accountability, Walz said.

The Children's Cabinet was established in 1993, although its work varied under different administrations. Governor Mark Dayton reestablished it in 2011.

You can find more about the cabinet here.