Gov. Tim Walz On Unsustainable Costs During “State of the State”

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Gov. Tim Walz says human services spending passed in past legislatures, by both parties, has put the state on a path to unsustainable cost growth.

During his State of the State address, the governor says in just a few years, the biggest of those human services programs will eat up $1 in every $8.

He is urging the current legislature to work together to find a solution.

Walz also touted his administration’s commitments to public safety, feeding school kids and taking care of seniors.

He also took on President Trump saying he has chosen to destroy our federal government’s ability to help people.

“Forty percent of our children – and more than a million Minnesotans overall – rely on Medicaid for their health care. This administration wants to take that health care away. Meanwhile, rural hospitals would be forced to close,” said Walz.

Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth says she was glad to hear the governor realizes that the state is heading toward a deficit and that he wants to make cuts.

She says over the last two years, a $18 billion surplus was spent along with $10 billion raised in taxes and fees, calling it an unsustainable budget.

Demuth says they need to find budget targets that can work for both sides before the session ends on May 19.