ST. PAUL, Minn. – In a second peek at his budget plan for the next two years, Governor Tim Walz talked about $4.1 billion economic development with $100 million specifically for agriculture budget. The announcement followed a separate $12 billion spending package a few days earlier for family and child programs. Here are features in what might be called Walz 2.0:
> Paid family and medical leave.
> More employee access to earned sick time.
> $276 million to expand broadband access.
> $150 million for the Minnesota Forward Fund
> $30 million to expand jobs in technology, care professions, education, manufacturing and trades.
> $20 million for tax credits for women, veterans and persons of color.
> $18.5 million for small business programs.
> Eliminate college application fees for high school seniors.
> Protection for “precious land and water resources.”
> Grants for meat, poultry, egg and dairy producers to start, modernize or expand.
> Promote the Minnesota Grown program.
> Replenish Agricultural Emergency Account
> Additional funding for agricultural Growth, research, and innovation and biofuels infrastructure.
> Farm safety and mental health outreach.
Walz. New would be a state paid family and medical leave requirement.
Verbatim
Walz: “I’m committed to making sure Minnesota remains competitive in a global economy. From our nation-leading agriculture industries to Minnesota-based companies paving the way for a clean energy economy, Minnesota has one of the most diverse and most resilient economies in the country.”