Gov. Tim Walz aims to break through gridlock at State of the State by telling Minnesotans' stories

The health care safety net is failing Minnesotans and school districts are facing teacher layoffs, Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday night, using his first State of the State address to urge lawmakers to break through partisan gridlock and improve the lives of people around the state.

Walz called on stories of eight Minnesotans, including a doctor, teacher and farmer, to underscore his key policy and spending plans. The Democratic governor is advocating for a significant increase in the state's per-pupil school funding formula, and pushing a number of tax proposals the Senate Republican majority has staunchly opposed. One continues a tax on health care providers, another would increase the gas tax by 20 cents to improve roads and bridges.

http://www.startribune.com/gov-tim-walz-will-mostly-wing-it-while-giving-state-of-the-state-address-tonight/508050852/