Gov. Walz delivers State of the State Address

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz delivered his fourth State of the State address Sunday evening in the Minnesota State Capitol House Chamber. His speech before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature is the first in-person State of the State address since the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020.

Walz spoke for nearly an hour and highlighted several issues he’s plugged since the start of the legislative session and called on the split Legislature to “tackle the tough issues before them” and find a way to agree on how to spend the state’s $9.25 billion projected budget surplus.

The governor once again pitched one-time payments for Minnesota taxpayers and renewed urgency on reaching a compromise on pandemic front-line worker bonuses, or “hero checks,” as Walz referred to them.

Gov. Tim Walz called for compromise in negotiations to replenish the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund and to pay frontline worker bonuses. The address comes with four weeks left in the session as lawmakers figure out how to use the state’s $9.25 billion budget surplus and more than $1 billion in federal pandemic funds.

The governor once again pitched one-time payments for Minnesota taxpayers and renewed urgency on reaching a compromise on pandemic front-line worker bonuses, or “hero checks,” as Walz referred to them.

Walz’s annual address is the last before he faces a stiff challenge from Republicans in the November election.

In 2020, Walz taped a shortened version of the State of the State from the governor’s mansion in St. Paul, and he delivered last year’s address from a classroom at Mankato West High School, where he taught before he was elected to the U.S. House.

During the final stretch of the legislative session, which adjourns May 23, lawmakers will have to figure out how to use the state’s $9.25 billion budget surplus and more than $1 billion in federal pandemic funds. The divided chambers remain far apart on spending and policy items. The GOP-controlled Senate is pushing for permanent income tax cuts, while House Democrats are seeking targeted tax credits and increases in spending.

Following the speech, the Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann issued the following statement:

“Tonight, Governor Walz’s big-government, tax-and-spend agenda was on full display. Thanks to his approach, Minnesota’s income taxes are among the highest in the country and record-breaking inflation is crippling families and businesses. Violent crime is on the rise across the state. Graduation rates are falling. Workers and businesses are facing a massive tax increase because of Walz’s allies in the legislature.

“It is time for Minnesota to reject the failed tax-and-spend approach. Republican leadership offers the opportunity to advance real reform by investing our historic budget surplus in real tax reform, give parents a stronger voice in educating kids, and recruit and retain more police officers while cracking down on violent crime.” – Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman issued this statement on the State of the State:

“After two years of remote speeches, it was a pleasure to welcome Governor Walz back to the House chamber for the State of the State,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Despite divided government, we have consistently found ways to work together and make progress for the people of Minnesota. I remain optimistic that in the remaining weeks of session we will be able to find common ground to reduce costs for families, support workers, invest in Minnesota’s students and schools, and address our public safety challenges. Together, we can build a Minnesota where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”