Gov. Tim Walz Launches Revamped Children's Cabinet

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Governor Tim Walz wants to make Minnesota the best place to raise a family.

WCCO's Reg Chapman has more on how he hopes relaunching the Children's Cabinet will make for a better outcome for the youngest of Minnesotans.

With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order, breathing life back into the Children's Cabinet.

Minnesota's Children's Cabinet was established via statue in 1993, its members are state leaders who will focus on issues impacting kids and families.

"Children are our future and the decision in this state that we make every decision that we make is going to impact them in some way or another," said Gov. Walz.

Walz says the cabinet will make sure every policy that comes to his desk is evaluated with a children and family lens.

"The solutions are in the communities, what communities don't need is a teacher from Mankato thinking they have all the answers," said Gov. Walz.

The cabinets work will include perspective from children and their families, hoping to reduce involvement with the child welfare, public safety and criminal justice systems.

"I am here today because I am passionate about ensuring that all students of all races have equitable opportunities in Minnesota," explained Jazlyn Eubanks.

The cabinet will also focus on a broad range of issues and challenges to include childcare and education, mental health and well-being as well as housing stability for children, youth and families.

"As our state becomes more diverse, our outcome for children of color and indigenous children still rank towards the bottom," said Gov. Walz. "Black and native infants are twice as likely as white infants to die before their first birthday and babies born in rural areas face a higher risk of infant mortality. Minnesota ranks first for high school graduations, but last for black students."

Walz says if Minnesota is to compete economically, it must make children and families a top priority.

The Children's Cabinet will consist of representatives from all of Minnesota's state agencies.

15 leaders from the community appointed by the Governor will make up an advisory Council that will focus on equity and addressing the opportunity gap from a whole family approach.