Gov. Walz Released His First Budget. What Does That Mean for Minnesotans?

Gov. Tim Walz is stepping aboard a big transportation plan. The DFL governor's first budget proposes an increase in gas and sales taxes in the metro, along with a license tabs fee increase. "This shows the commitment Minnesota has to community prosperity," Walz said as he appeared alongside the state's first all-electric bus.

Controlled by Republicans, the Senate vows to stop big tax and fee increases. Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said such hikes would "give Minnesota the reputation of being a cold California." A 20-cent gas tax increase would moved the state to the 4th highest in the nation. DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman said governors get about 95% of what they propose, so this should be taken seriously. Overall, the budget spends nearly $50 billion, but the legislature will spend the next few months having their say as legislation begins to take form.

Stay tuned to Almanac's and Almanac at the Capitol's ongoing coverage of the governor's newly proposed budget and the 2019 legislative session by checking out additional public-affairs stories.

Almanac airs on Friday evenings on TPT2 at 7 pm and repeats on Sundays at 9:30 am.

Almanac at the Capitol airs on Wednesday evenings on TPT MN at 7 pm and on TPT2 at 10 pm. Check out the full schedule.