Minnesota State Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Walz’s State of the State speech.

“I have attended 15 State of the State speeches now, and this was by far the most partisan I have seen. It was extremely disappointing. The governor has always talked about his affinity for ‘One Minnesota’ and praised civility, but what I heard instead was a speech that cast Minnesotans against one another. And even mocked governors and people from other states. He had a chance to bridge gaps and welcome ideas from all sides. He chose not to do that. Instead, Gov. Walz rattled off a laundry list of controversial ideas that are out of touch with what most Minnesotans are begging and pleading for.

“I would remind the governor that Minnesotans want us to work together to deliver tax relief, to put more good cops on the streets, to take care of nursing homes, and to get our student math and literacy scores back on track. I hope he uses the remainder of this session to focus on those issues instead of a hyperpartisan agenda.”