Governor Walz addressed ongoing wildfire responses in northeastern Minnesota and took executive action to prevent state employees from using nonpublic information on prediction markets, following a federal injunction against a state law.
During a visit to Ely, Governor Walz received a briefing on the wildfires, which have burned over 64,000 acres across Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties, leading to the closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. "With the continued threat of dangerous and unpredictable fires, I extend my deepest gratitude to the firefighters, National Guard members, and first responders working around the clock to keep Minnesotans safe," said Governor Walz, emphasizing coordinated response and community support.
The executive order prohibits state employees from using confidential information for insider trading on prediction markets, a move made after a federal judge blocked a bipartisan state law banning these platforms. "State employees serve the public and shouldn’t make money off insider information," Governor Walz said, adding that the action reinforces Minnesota's ethical standards amidst concerns about public trust and potential for profit from nonpublic information.
In West St. Paul, Governor Walz celebrated the groundbreaking for Lohmann Therapy Systems' (LTS) campus expansion, an investment expected to boost research, development, and manufacturing capabilities. "I am proud that LTS continues to choose Minnesota as a national hub," Governor Walz said, highlighting the company's role in creating jobs and strengthening the state's healthcare innovation sector.
Additionally, Governor Walz announced Minnesota ranks as the second-best state for healthcare nationally, according to a WalletHub study. He attributed this success to the administration's efforts in improving healthcare access, reducing costs, and achieving record health insurance enrollment, stating, "Minnesota has again demonstrated itself to be nation-leading in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes."