August 17, 2023
On August 10, Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order calling for a new task force to develop recommendations to support the University of Minnesota’s Health Sciences Programs. It will be led by former health commissioner Jan Malcolm.
“The University of Minnesota’s Health Sciences Programs provide critical education, training, and research to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and provide high-quality care for Minnesotans,” Walz said. “I am calling together this group of leaders and healthcare experts to work to ensure that the future of Minnesota’s academic health remains strong.”
The task force will develop recommendations to support world-class academic health professions education, research, and care delivery by the Health Sciences Programs that advance equity, center primary care, and ensure that Minnesotans can continue to receive the highest-quality care in a financially sustainable way.
Along with Malcolm, the task force will include representatives from the Legislature, and leaders from the Department of Health and Office of Higher Education, and individuals with expertise in health professions education, healthcare finance, and health equity.
If you are interested in applying for the task force, click here. While the MMA does not have a direct appointment, applicants may request MMA support of their application. To have your application considered for MMA endorsement or for other questions, contact the MMA’s Steph Lindgren.
“The MMA applauds Gov. Walz’s plan to create a task force to develop recommendations that will maintain the University of Minnesota’s essential role in health professional education and training in the state,” said MMA President Will Nicholson, MD. “The task force’s focus on improving health equity, elevating primary care, and ensuring statewide access to care reflect important priorities. The current healthcare workforce is strained, and projections suggest significant shortages of physicians and other providers in the future. A strong and reliable healthcare workforce pipeline, including at the state’s largest educational institution, is essential.”
The task force will provide a summary of its recommendations to the governor in January 2024.
December 4, 2025
On December 4, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its budget forecast for the 2026-27 biennium, showing a short-term budget surplus of $2.5 billion for the current biennium, but warned of a long-term $2.96 billion deficit for the 2028-29 biennium.
December 4, 2025
On December 2, the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP) released a study on the safety, effectiveness, and public health impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccinations at birth.
December 4, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) is now accepting public comments regarding proposed legislation to mandate insurance coverage of certain treatments.