Governor Dayton gave his first State of the State Address today, giving hints towards what can be expected in his budget, which will officially be released on the 15th. Governor Dayton pledged to invest in more jobs, better education, improved transportation, the health of our citizens, our communities, our environment, and the transformation of government services. Governor Dayton pledged to increase funding for education every year he is in office and to give more Minnesota children the opportunity to attend all-day kindergarten. He used the opportunity and captive audience to plug his bonding bill as an opportunity to grow 28,000 jobs in Minnesota. Apologizing ahead of time for his budget, the Governor asked wealthy Minnesotans "[…]for their forbearance during this fiscal crisis, which I did not create, but inherited, and now, with you in the Legislature, must solve."

Governor Dayton gave several rounds of kudos including to special guests President Robert Bruininks of the University of Minnesota; Chancellor James McCormick of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities; Dr. Efe Agbamu, Secondary School Principal of the Year; Mr. James Sonju, Math and Science Principal of the Year; Mr. Ryan Vernosh, Minnesota Teacher of the Year; Col. Eric Kerska, Commander of the Red Bulls; The Wenzel Family; members of the Minnesota National Guard; and Officer Adam Bailey, Police Officer of the Year.