SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar says her administration will focus on bringing Minnesotans together, improving government accountability and growing the state’s economy when she takes office in January.
In her first remarks as governor-elect, Klobuchar pledged to represent all Minnesotans, including those who did not support her in Tuesday’s election.
“Whether or not I got your vote, I will do my best for you. I will work my heart out for you. Nobody will work harder,” Klobuchar said.
She says her priority is moving Minnesota forward and delivering results by listening to different perspectives and finding common ground. Klobuchar also wants fresh voices and ideas involved in shaping her administration, including input from current state employees.
She says her goal is to make state government more responsive, efficient and accountable to taxpayers.
One of Klobuchar’s major campaign promises was not raising taxes, a commitment she says will carry into her administration as she prepares to work with lawmakers on the next state budget.
“I’m not going to raise taxes, and that is not going to change,” Klobuchar said.
Instead, she plans to review state government operations, identify potential savings and make agencies more efficient. Klobuchar also believes economic growth will be critical to addressing the state’s financial challenges.
“We’ve had a long-term problem of not expanding enough, not bringing in enough businesses, which is why this was and will be my priority,” she said, pointing to business development, job creation and reducing red tape as key goals.
Klobuchar has also pledged a comprehensive audit of state government when she takes office January 4th. The review will focus on identifying fraud, waste and abuse within state agencies, along with increased oversight of state payments and stronger protections for whistleblowers.
Former appeals court Judge Cindy Jesson will lead Klobuchar’s transition team. She will succeed Governor Tim Walz, who abandoned his reelection campaign amid the state’s growing fraud scandal.
Gun safety legislation could also return to the forefront when lawmakers reconvene in January. During her victory speech, Klobuchar pledged to sign gun safety legislation into law.
Protect Minnesota Executive Director Maggie Emery expects the issue to advance with Democrats controlling the governor’s office and both chambers of the Legislature.
Last session, the DFL-controlled Senate passed a gun violence prevention package by one vote, but the legislation never received a floor vote in the tied House. Proposals included universal background checks and an assault weapons ban.
Emery says lawmakers will need to work together to build enough support for legislation to pass both chambers.
