Walz calls for vaccine and testing requirements for teachers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is calling on lawmakers to approve a series of new measures to respond to what is being called a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those new measures would include 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 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.