Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican gubernatorial candidate Dr. Scott Jensen took part in a Minnesota Governor Candidate Forum as they discussed their stances on numerous topics.
The forum, hosted by News Talk 830 WCCO's Blois Olson, took place at Farmfest. Both candidates talked about their stances on agriculture, schooling, investing in Minnesota industries, and several other hot topics.
Jensen started the forum discussing what he would do to "Heal Minnesota." He says it begins by finding out what's wrong with the state.
"We have to ask the questions, and I thank Governor Walz because this is the start," Jensen said. However, he did note that he does disagree with Walz's "One Minnesota" stance.
Walz shared that while Jensen and others may not have faith in his "One Minnesota" stance, he believes in it more than ever.
Walz took time to share some of the accomplishments that he has achieved during his term, boasting the state's low unemployment rate, the fifth highest job growth rate in the country, the state's low COVID-19 death rate, and infrastructure improvements.
When asked about family farms versus corporation farms, Walz shared that, in some ways, he thinks it's a false argument and that family farms and diverse rural communities are still thriving in the state.
"We're creating vibrant rural communities, and we are producing enough food to feed the world. That's the positive side of it," Walz said.
When asked the same question, Jensen disagreed with Walz saying that he would not let Minnesota farmland be sold to "foreign corporations," receiving a big cheer from those in the audience.
Jensen shared that he wants to ensure that "farms are profitable" by looking at more than just the price of crops but the price of fertilizer, machinery, and other "ingredients" that will bring new things to the market.
Walz shared that his work to expand state exports has seen Minnesota farms compete globally, praising the farmers' work for creating trade deals outside the state and the country.
The candidates were then asked about Minnesota nursing homes that can't find enough workers.
Walz said the issue is with the state legislature that walked away from legislation that would have provided help. Jensen answered the question by taking a shot at Walz for shutting down nursing homes during the pandemic, saying they were left to die alone and their families haven't forgotten.
Next, they were asked about state taxes and Minnesota's constant ranking among the top states for business and personal taxes.
Jensen shared that he would like to reduce the state tax to "help the family farms" that are being taken advantage of and forced to "break up" their land due to tax policy.
Walz shared that under his administration, they have agreed to the most significant tax cut in state history and that it's essential to look at real life and not "conspiracy."
He then accused Jensen of telling Senate Republicans not to sign legislation to make it seem like he wasn't doing anything. Finally, pointing to the state's surplus, Walz said he would like to give it back to Minnesotans but needs the legislature to work with him.
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When asked about broadband and supporting greater Minnesota, Jensen shared that he would like to see more investments made in rural Minnesota.
"We need to do a better job of letting young people in smaller towns in greater rural Minnesota know that there are opportunities out there," Jensen said.
He added that the rest of the state feels as if they are often on the outside looking in, and he wants to change that.
"Greater Minnesota feels like they don't have a seat at the table," Jensen said. "They need to have a seat at the table."
Talking about broadband, Walz shared that $300 million has been invested in the state and that comments about the cities taking it from rural Minnesota are nothing short of a lie.
"Instead of spreading false information, be a part of the solution," Walz said.
The candidates shared their thoughts on the current labor shortage in the state and the struggles that young Minnesotans are faced with leaving high school.
Jensen said we need to "build a bigger menu" for students after high school and offer them different options than pricey four-year universities.
"We need to get those programs into the trades," Jensen said. "We need to match up better. We need to tell them that no matter what they choose, it's okay."
Jensen shared that putting pressure on young Minnesotans has hurt them and that something needs to be done about tuition and secondary options in the state.
Walz shared that investments in education and other industries will help students and young Minnesotans be better set up for the future, noting that things don't cost what they used to anymore, and that's the crux of the issue.
"We went to school on minimum wage," Walz said, noting that this generation can't.
Regarding climate change's impact on farmers, Walz shared that he wants to put "programs in place to support our producers" and ensure that if drought returns like it did last year, there is a plan to take care of it.
Jensen shared that while he thinks climate change is happening, though slowly, he says we need to separate weather from climate and look into the science behind it.
During closing statements, Jensen started by saying, "we need more cops on the street." He continued saying that crime is running rampant throughout the state and the law needs to be enforced.
Moving on to COVID-19 and the pandemic, Jensen shared that he has stood by his beliefs, and while he will make mistakes, he will continue to try.
In his closing statements, Walz shared that "we are facing challenges," and the solution to facing challenges is to come together, not to become divided.
"This job entails more than admiring a problem, second-guessing," Walz said.
Walz says that while working with a divided state legislature, he accomplished a lot, including a record surplus, no tax increases, and several other achievements.
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