Gov. Walz to talk economy, police reform at afternoon press conference
Office of the Governor
Gov. Tim Walz will give his latest press conference to Minnesota at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The governor has announced a press call that will see him focus on "police accountability" in the wake of George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis.
It comes on the same day that Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced he is withdrawing from contract negotiations with the police union, as he wants a contract that makes it easier to terminate officers for misconduct and extreme use of force.
It also comes after the announcement from a majority of Minneapolis city councilors who wish to disband the department and replace it with a new system of policing, thinking the current force is beyond reform.
Gov. Walz has previously refused to be drawn on whether he agrees with their plans, noting that it's a "complex" issue and didn't want to be "caught in a soundbite," while also noting that the talk might cause concern among those who live outside the city.
On Wednesday, the governor will also address "Minnesota's Economic Recovery" amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in the state facing a budget deficit, as well as the closure/prolonged shutdown of numerous businesses.
Texas and parts of California have seen recent spikes in cases and hospitalizations amid the gradual reopening of the economy, which has coincided with it being just over 2 weeks – the incubation period for COVID-19 – since Memorial Day weekend.
Minnesota's hospitalization rate has been dropping while its deaths and case numbers remain stable, however we're yet to see if there will be any knock-on effect from the protests that followed the killing of George Floyd.
You will be able to watch the press conference on the governor's YouTube page.
