ST. PAUL, MN – Tonight, Governor Mark Dayton delivered his sixth State of the State Address to the Minnesota Legislature. In the speech, Governor Dayton called on the Legislature to make the tough choices and make the investments needed to preserve the state for future generations. After the speech, Minnesotans from across the state responded by crediting the Governor for his continued commitment to education, transportation, and working families. Here is what they had to say.

 

 

“The Governor, as he has done in every state of the state address, made Minnesota children and families his top priority. He is a true champion for Minnesotans and his firm commitment to ensuring every student succeeds, from pre-K to career, has never wavered. But he can't do it alone. It will take collaboration with our hardworking educators, parents and the legislature.  We must continue to remove barriers and create better and more equitable opportunities so all our children are successful in school and life.”

 

“Tonight, Governor Dayton laid out a long-term solution to our transportation crisis with dedicated funding that would move and connect all Minnesotans across our state. Over half of Minnesota’s roads are more than 50 years old, and 40 percent of the state’s bridges are more than 40 years old. In the next ten years, nearly 40 percent of our roads will be past their useful life without additional funding. We all agree on the need for these critical investments in our state’s aging and crumbling infrastructure. Now, it’s time to act.”

 

“Tonight, Governor Dayton reaffirmed his commitment to protecting one of our state’s most precious natural resources: our water.  In the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes,’ Minnesotans expect and deserve clean, affordable water to drink, and fish and swim in. But water quality across our state is seriously threatened.  I look forward to working with the Governor to identify partnerships and solutions that will address our current challenges and preserve our waters for future generations of Minnesotans to enjoy.”

 

“Clean water is absolutely essential for healthy people and healthy communities.  All Minnesotans have a right to clean water, and that’s why I was pleased with the clean water proposals outlined by Governor Dayton tonight. The work he described will help ensure that all Minnesotans have access to clean drinking water for many years to come.”

 

 

“Our state’s future success is contingent on creating a Minnesota with a more inclusive workforce and a strong social fabric that reflects the changing demographics of our state’s population.  The governor has again spoken directly and clearly in his State of the State address of the need for all of us in Minnesota to be intentional and have urgency in our work to address economic and racial disparities.  I look forward to working with our governor, legislature, schools, universities, businesses and communities to keep expanding education, economic and quality of life opportunities for all Minnesotans.”

 

 

“I was pleased to hear the governor highlight the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. The expanding interest in this voluntary program exemplifies a successful conservation partnership between the state and Minnesota farmers. These farmers have clearly demonstrated that we can have a strong ag economy and protect Minnesota’s water resources.”

 

 

“I thank Governor Dayton for his commitment to passing a major bonding bill that will create jobs, and fund essential infrastructure in Duluth and across the state.  The Governor’s bonding proposal would invest in a downtown Duluth steam heating system, a new chemistry building at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and improvements at the Duluth International Airport. These investments and others across the state will help build an economy that works for all Minnesotans.”

 

“I want to thank Governor Dayton for his call to invest in major infrastructure projects tonight. More than 100 trains pass through downtown Moorhead everyday – blocking traffic and the ability of emergency vehicles to respond to calls across town. Governor Dayton’s rail safety plan would fund critical rail safety improvements in Moorhead and other communities around Minnesota. I urge the Legislature to follow Governor Dayton’s lead and take action this year.”

 

“A reliable and consistent water source is vitally important for the Citizens of Worthington both for quality of life and for economic Development opportunities. However, the cost of building a new water treatment facility is untenable – it’s estimated that water rates would increase 20 to 40 percent for local residents. I thank Governor Dayton for reiterating his commitment tonight to modernizing water infrastructure through additional financial assistance to local communities. The need could not be greater.”

 

 

“There's no excuse to allow the same situation that occurred in Flint, Michigan to happen anywhere in the state of Minnesota. So I think the Minnesota Legislature needs to follow the lead of Governor Dayton, and approve a robust bonding bill to address the critical needs throughout the state.”

 

"Morris needs a new water treatment plant, but without state assistance water rates for local residents could more than double. Governor Dayton’s $220 million plan to upgrade and replace old water treatment facilities would benefit communities like Morris across Minnesota. I want to thank the Governor for highlighting this proposal tonight in his State of the State address.”

 

 

“Where we have broadband, we have economic opportunity, access to world-class educational resources, and the latest health care advances. This evening, Governor Dayton renewed his call for a significant investment in expanding access to broadband in rural Minnesota. This would be a positive step towards achieving the border-to-border access that all Minnesotans need.”

 

“After 35 years as a teacher and elementary school principal, I’ve seen what a difference early learning makes for our students. I want to thank Governor Dayton for reiterating his continued commitment to expanding pre-Kindergarten for all Minnesota children. Research and firsthand experience prove high-quality early learning is critical to closing Minnesota’s achievement gap.”

 

“Governor Dayton has demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that Minnesota is a state that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. As he said tonight, we must protect the state budget while investing in a better future for all of us. I applaud the Governor for his calls to support education, invest in Minnesota infrastructure to create thousands of jobs, and secure a comprehensive, long-term transportation package.”

 

“Governor Dayton understands the foundation of our state is a great system of public education that prepares all students for successful lives. His commitment to expand access to high-quality preschool and to support public colleges and universities will reduce the opportunity gaps which hold back too many of our students. I thank Governor Dayton for his continued commitment to education at all levels, earning his reputation as the ‘Education Governor.’”

 

“SEIU Healthcare Minnesota applauds Governor Dayton’s leadership and support of healthcare workers, and all working people, in our state. We are proud to stand with Governor Dayton and legislative leaders as we continue our efforts to make sure hardworking Minnesotans have a level playing field with big businesses and special interests, and a fair shot to compete and succeed in our economy.”

 

“Tonight, Governor Dayton reiterated his commitment to the values that make Minnesota strong: building a state that works for all of us, not just those at the top. The Governor’s proposed investments in job creation, education, and transportation would help give the hardworking people of Minnesota a fair shot at a good future.”

 

“Governor Dayton continues to show strong leadership for our state. The Governor’s commitment to investing the surplus in greater opportunity for all Minnesotans, from our youngest kids, to working families, and our seniors, will continue to build a better Minnesota for all of us, not just those at the top.”

 

“Governor Dayton was one of the first to call for relief for unemployed Iron Range steelworkers four months ago, and we are grateful for his ongoing commitment to bringing relief to these families.  We hope that his speech tonight will help convince the legislature to grant these Minnesota families the relief, and the peace of mind, that they so greatly need and deserve.”

 

“Hardworking Minnesotans have always formed the backbone of our economy. We applaud Governor Dayton’s focus on infrastructure, transportation, and expanding economic opportunity for all Minnesotans. Those smart investments will help build a better Minnesota that works for all of us, not just the wealthy few.”

 

“SEIU Local 284 stands with Governor Dayton in his call to invest in education and greater opportunity for Minnesota children. From infrastructure investments in schools across the state to his continued push to expand access to early education, it is clear that Governor Dayton is fighting to build a better Minnesota for everyone, everywhere in our state, not just the wealthy few.”