MPR: 1999 State of the State Address

1999 State of the State Address
By Bob Collins
March 2, 1999

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GOVERNOR VENTURA USED HIS FIRST State of the State address today to declare "the free ride is over.". Ventura urged Minnesotans to take control of their lives. He called for an end to cynicism and said his administration's legacy will be to provoke people out of their apathy.

Governor Ventura works the crowd outside the House Chamber just before giving his State of the State speech

Photo: Bob Collins

Ventura made his speech in the House Chamber, with former governors, members of the Supreme Court, and Senators and Representatives present. But he clearly aimed his remarks to a television and radio audience; often criticizing his hosts "The State of the State is that the people are very tired of business as usual," he said.

Several hundred people watched Ventura's speech on monitors in the Capitol hallways

Photo: Bob Collins

Much of Ventura's addressed focused on campaign themes of self-reliance. " We can't legislate against every stupid thing people will do, and yet the temptation is there to try time and time again," the governor said. The one proposal he made was a pledge to increase aid for struggling farmers to $60 million over the next three years. Ventura drew a round of applause from Democrats by saying he's waiting for a specific tax-rebate bill to come his way.

Ventura ended his address by honoring five Minnesotans with the first "Governor's Awards for
a Better Minnesota. "

Former governor Arne Carlson waits to be introduced to the joint session of the Legislature

Photo: Bob Collins

Ventura, the only member of the Reform Party in state government, often drew applause from Republicans but not Democrats; other times he was applauded by Democrats but not Republicans. After the session, Senate President Roger Moe - the running mate of Ventura's opponent in November - said Ventura has to learn to make the transition from "campaign rhetoric to governing."

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