Walz Calls For Vaccine And Testing Requirements For Teachers

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz put his face mask at the conclusion of a press conference Thursday, July 30, 2020 announcing the learning plan for Minnesota schools for the upcoming 2020-21 school year. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP, Pool)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is calling on lawmakers to approve a series of new measures to respond to the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine and testing requirements for teachers and school staff, and for long-term care workers.

The Democratic governor detailed his proposal in a letter to lawmakers that he released after meeting privately with legislative leaders. Walz urged them to approve the measures during a special session that was originally envisioned for last month to approve a $250 million bonus package for frontline workers who risked their lives in the pandemic.

Negotiations on that plan have yet to produce an agreement.