Last night, Governor Walz delivered the 2023 State of the State before a joint session of the Minnesota Legislature.

Governor Walz’s speech highlighted the progressive victories of 2023, from making historic investments in Minnesota’s public schools to fighting climate change and restoring the right to vote for 50,000+ Minnesotans.

Last fall, Minnesotans elected a historic class of legislators, making the Minnesota Legislature the most diverse in state history.

If one thing was clear from Governor Walz’s speech, Minnesota’s new progressive leadership is leading the way for states nationwide. 

In case you missed it, here are a few takeaways from the State of the State.

Making Minnesota the best state for kids and families

Governor Walz believes Minnesota should be the best place in America to raise a family. 

That’s why Governor Walz signed landmark legislation in March to fund universal school meals for Minnesota students! A huge win for students and families. 

From this legislative session alone, Minnesota has seen bills aimed at reducing child poverty, making child care and early learning more accessible, increasing school funding, and addressing student mental health. 

Not to mention, Governor Walz proposed a budget including the largest public education investment in the state’s history.

Building a strong economy that works for all Minnesotans 

Governor Walz knows that a strong economy works for every Minnesotan, not just those at the very top.

And with the progressive leadership at the Capitol, they’re making it a reality by working towards programs like Paid Family and Medical Leave so that no Minnesotans have to make the unfair choice between a paycheck and taking time off to care for a new baby or a family member with a serious illness.

Governor Walz is also leading the charge to hold corporations accountable for price-gouging with legislation to stop large corporations from artificially raising prices to increase their profit margins during times of emergency. 

And in a historic moment for Minnesota, Governor Walz signed into law the Restore the Vote Act, which will return the right to vote for over 50,000 Minnesotans convicted of a felony as soon as their incarceration ends. 

A greener, cleaner Minnesota 

Governor Walz knows that when it comes to the climate crisis, the time to act is now. That’s why one of the first bills he signed this session will move Minnesota’s electricity sector to 100% clean energy by 2040.

And Minnesota progressives are working to pass a budget that takes further action to address climate change and invest in green technology. 

Not only do these efforts help ensure a healthy home for the Minnesotans to come, but they will create thousands of green high-paying jobs and develop the next generation of climate technologies. 

Minnesota is no place for hatred or bigotry 

Across the country, LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. But not in Minnesota. This year progressives took action to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Minnesotans. 

So far, the Minnesota House of Representatives has passed bills banning the horrific practice of conversion therapy and making Minnesota a Trans Refuge State.

Much more to come for Minnesota 

We can’t wait to see how Governor Walz and the progressive leadership at the Capitol will continue to work together to invest in our communities and build a better Minnesota.

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