Governor Walz Announces Minnesota Ranked as a Top State to Raise a Family

Statement

Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota is WalletHub's 3rd best state to have a baby and 4th best state for health care . Minnesota was also ranked third in KIDS COUNT's 2022 state-by-state comparison of child well-being based on economic well-being, education, and health data. Minnesota's high health care ranking was based on cost, access, and outcomes.

"As a former teacher, my goal has always been to make Minnesota a state with the highest quality of life, where every child and every family has access to a high-quality education and affordable health care," said Governor Walz. "I'm proud that Minnesota has been recognized as a top state to raise a family, but we know that Minnesotans continue to grapple with rising costs. We'll continue to push and lead us towards lower health care, child care and family costs and make Minnesota the best state for each and every child to grow up."

"Minnesota children and families are at the center of everything we do," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. " It is important that we continue to work together as Minnesotans to support the mental health of our children and families, as recognized in KIDS COUNT Data Book. All Minnesotans deserve access to health care, and any Minnesotan that chooses to have a child deserves access to affordable and quality health care, child care, and education."

While health disparities persist, this ranking recognizes progress as Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan work to ensure all children are able to succeed. The KIDS COUNT comparison demonstrates the importance of a continued focus on mental health, economic well-being, and investments in children as a driver for the well-being of Minnesota and our economy. Minnesota has increased child care funding to serve thousands more families and passed a historic $100 per month increase and cost of living adjustment for the Minnesota Family Investment Program. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor have launched a Children's Cabinet, which leads action teams in mental health, housing, child care and more, started the first ever state fiscal map to align state investments, creating innovations to expand food access and community support for families. The State has also focused on student access to mental health support, with a $5 million new investment in the School-Linked Behavioral Health program in 2022 on top of a larger increase that passed in the 2019 budget.

Minnesota's rankings can be found here: WalletHub's 3rd best state to have a baby and 4th best state for health care . Minnesota was also ranked third in KIDS COUNT's 2022 state-by-state comparison of child well-being based on economic well-being, education, and health data.

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