Tim Walz Announces Plans to Redirect Child Care Funds Toward 100-Foot George Floyd Statue
Governor says monument will serve as “a lasting investment in values” ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday that a portion of state-allocated child care funding will be repurposed to construct a 100-foot statue of George Floyd, citing the project as a necessary step toward “meaningful reflection” ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
According to state officials, the monument is intended to function as both a cultural landmark and an educational centerpiece, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to engage with what the administration described as “the broader conversation.”
“This is about priorities,” Walz said during a press briefing. “And right now, it’s important that our spending reflects our values.”
The statue, which would be among the largest in the Midwest, is expected to include interpretive signage, a reflection plaza, and space for future programming. Officials emphasized that while some funds were originally designated for child care initiatives, the reallocation represents a “temporary shift” toward long-term community impact.
Supporters of the project argue that symbolic investments can generate awareness, tourism, and dialogue — benefits they say will ultimately trickle down to local communities.
“You can’t put a price on education,” said one advocate. “And this is education on a grand scale.”
Critics, however, questioned the timing and funding source, noting ongoing concerns about child care availability and affordability across the state. In response, officials clarified that the statue should not be viewed as separate from social services, but rather as part of a broader strategy to address systemic issues.
“This isn’t an either-or situation,” a spokesperson explained. “It’s a both-and.”
Planning documents indicate the unveiling is scheduled to coincide with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a decision organizers say underscores the monument’s relevance and historical significance.
When asked whether child care providers affected by the funding shift had been consulted, officials said discussions were ongoing and stressed that community engagement would remain a priority.
“As we move forward,” Walz said, “it’s important to remember that progress doesn’t always look practical at first.”
