State of the State Address

Yesterday, I delivered the State of the State address in St. Cloud. The state of our state is strong even as we are challenged by circumstances.

I strongly reminded DFL legislators of the need for government to live within its means just like Minnesota families and businesses are required to do. Minnesotans are facing challenging times with rising fuel costs and health care costs. Government should not add to the burden by demanding more in taxes. I also reminded DFL legislators of the availability of my “taxpayer protection pen” (aka veto pen) and my willingness to use it to control spending.

The prosperity of our citizens depends upon their ability to access good-paying jobs. For jobs to be available, businesses need to stay, grow and invent in Minnesota. Our large government and job-punishing tax structure in Minnesota reflects the demographics and economy of the 1960’s. We need to reduce taxes on income, investment, and entrepreneurial activities. I will create the 21st Century Tax Reform Commission to look at improving our tax system in a manner that makes Minnesota more competitive.

Once again, I urged the legislature to join me in passing legislation that caps how much property taxes can increase a year. This common sense approach has been used effectively in many other states.

Minnesotans are finding it more and more difficult to afford health care. During the speech, I also announced plans to make health care in Minnesota more affordable and focused on better health care outcomes. I believe these reforms can be passed yet this year.

Besides parents, the quality and effectiveness of teachers is the most important factor in determining the educational success of a child. Yesterday, I outlined several proposals to improve teaching in Minnesota, including: creating alternative pathways into teaching for highly talented mid-career professionals; requiring even tenured teachers to be evaluated and further trained on a regular basis; and creating a world-class e-curriculum so that students and teachers can have the best instruction available to them anytime and anywhere.

I also strongly urged the legislature to pass my proposal to further support members of the military, their families and veterans. During my speech I also outlined several other initiatives.

We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident with your help, we will continue moving Minnesota forward.



Sincerely,


Tim Pawlenty
Governor