'Let's Write A Different Story': Walz Appeals For Bipartisanship In First State Of State
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In Wednesday night's State of the State address, Gov. Tim Walz called on a bipartisan government to come together for the good of the people.
The governor highlighted education, health care, stronger communities and transportation. Walz delivered his first State of the State without a teleprompter, and without a written speech.
The first-term governor generally received a warm reception from the politically-divided legislature, challenging Republicans and Democrats to set aside their politics and "write a new story" about Minnesota.
He highlighted stories of regular Minnesotans who struggled and succeeded, calling on lawmakers to make Minnesota a success story for the rest of the nation.
"I'll tell you right now the story that we told, and the story that not just Minnesota needs, but the country needs, is a bipartisan and a split government that came together in the good of the people and moved things forward for Minnesota. That's what we can do," Walz said.
WATCH THE FULL STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
Democrats cheered, and Republicans sat silent for many parts of the governor's address, especially on health care and a gas tax hike. And Walz noticed, promising he would bring them to their feet -- and he did with one line.
"Here's what I'm telling all of you. I do not want a single one of us in this building to fail because that means Minnesota fails," Walz said.
It appeared as if the new Democratic governor directed most of his speech at Republicans, who sat in front of him to his left. They have the power to stop much of want he wants to do.
The governor's speech, which was almost entirely adlibbed, was one of the shortest State of the State speeches –- clocking in at just 38 minutes.
Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka called the governor's address "encouraging," and the tone "positive."
"The issues are the issues that we all need to talk about," Gazelka said.
On Twitter, Gazelka promised to work with Walz, but said the governor's vision of "One Minnesota" should not become "one expensive Minnesota."
