Walz signs 4th COVID-19 relief package; signs executive order that implements salary cuts for governor, staff
File - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks with reporters at the Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.[AP/ Steve Karnowski]
Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday signed the fourth legislation package passed by the Legislature in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawmakers passed the bill Tuesday to provide more flexibility for Minnesotans and many state departments during this time.
Minnesota House, Senate pass 4th COVID-19 response package
It also increases access to affordable health care and ensures federal reimbursement for testing and coronavirus-related visits.
"Our team partnered with legislators on both sides of the aisle in putting together this legislation to help Minnesotans weather COVID-19," Walz said. "We will continue working with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure Minnesotans have the support they need during this pandemic."
Also Wednesday, Walz signed Executive Order 20-36, which implements salary cuts for the governor, his chief of staff and cabinet members. The order comes on the heels of his direction to freeze hiring for executive branch positions, a measure that doesn’t require an executive order.
The order implements a 10% salary cut for the remainder of the year for the governor, chief of staff and cabinet agency commissioners.
On April 13, Minnesota Management and Budget instituted a hiring freeze on all executive branch positions. The order is effective immediately, according to the governor’s office.