Gov. Walz Says the State of Minnesota is Strong, Because Kids Are Better Equipped to Thrive

OWATONNA, Minn. (KVRR) — Gov. Tim Walz says the state is strong, because the kids of Minnesota are better equipped to thrive.

The governor was joined by other political leaders at Owatonna High School for his sixth State of the State address.

Walk picked it as the setting to highlight how the community has made big investments in the relatively new school and in workforce development.

He talked about the work his administration has done to expanded access to pre-k and affordable child care, invest in affordable housing, free public college tuition for low-income families and protections for reproductive freedom.

Walz called on the legislature to enact new gun control measures to make schools and communities safer.

He also said their work is far from done.

“We’re going to keep building those families, we’re going to keep building communities. We’re going to keep building more roads and bridges. We’re going to keep building more career pathways and more schools and we’re going to be building more opportunities for our kids, their kids and for generations to come,” said Walz to applause.

In her response, Republican House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth called the address “rosy rhetoric” and said life is still unaffordable for too many families who are struggling with inflation and billions in tax increases passed by Democrats last session.