Gov. Tim Walz delivers his first State of the State address, and says Minnesota is "at a crossroads."
"The state of our state is strong," he said to applause at the capitol. "We can choose to follow the same story that was written ahead of time. We can choose to decide who belongs and who doesn't. We can choose to let ideology drive us before people. Or we can do what Minnesota's always done: rise up and create a better way of life. Lead the nation in how things can get done."
In an ad-libbed speech, Walz stressed unification in the only state whose legislature is split by party control.
"Let's write our own story," he said. "Let's write a new story on how this can end. Let's do this in a way that others can look at and say, 'That's the way out of this.' And let's do it because Minnesotans, we've always done it before. We never feared the future. We create the future."
Walz also discussed funding for education, transportation and infrastructure and health care by using the stories of eight Minnesotans.
In response, Republican senate majority leader Paul Gazelka said Walz's speech struck a positive tone, adding "If he's committed to negotiating in good faith, we certainly are, and I really do believe we'll get there."
RELATED: Walz looks ahead to the homestretch of the legislative session on WCCO
The legislative session ends May 20. Both sides remain split on taxes, including the gas tax, which Walz has proposed a $.20 increase in to fund road and bridge repair.
Response from Minnesota GOP chair Jennifer Carnahan:
“Tonight, Governor Tim Walz gave his first State of the State address focused on stories. But, the thing is, he only told stories of his party. He did not tell the stories of the communities who support Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline and are desperate for the replacement to move forward so their towns and cities are safe. Walz failed to tell the stories of the middle-class families who he wants to spend 20-cents more per gallon at the pump as they run their kids to school and sports practice. He also forgot to tell the stories of the millions of Minnesotans who he is asking to pay even more of their hard-earned money to fund his out-of-control budget.
“As we go into the final weeks of the first legislative session under a new Governor, I am hopeful Governor Walz will work with Republicans on legislation that will better the future stories of ALL Minnesotans, not just those who voted for him.”
