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And we will close the gap between anticipated revenues and expenditures without a tax <br />increase. <br />This is what happens when we choose to work together. <br />ITiis legislature has earned a reputation for being visionary. When I talk to other governors <br />and hear their stories I am reminded of how fortunate I am to work with a body that time <br />and again shows that it knows how to get things done for the people of Minnesota. <br />We have proven that we can rise above the gridlock. And v.e will do it again. We must <br />fmd the direct route to change and improvement in order to address the challenges that lie <br />ahead. <br />Since becoming governor in 1991,1 have spent a great deal of time listening to Minnesotans <br />describe their concerns, their challenges, and most importantly, what their dreams are for the <br />future. I listened as they talked and I heard Minnesotans say they want three things: <br />• First, people are concerned about getting and keeping good jobs. Those who have <br />lost their jobs are suffering. Those who have had to settle for low-paying jobs are <br />hurting. And those who HAVE good jobs are worried about losing them. All of us <br />can identify with what a job means tc a family. That is why last month I proposed a <br />plan that will help employers, especially small businesses, create more jobs for <br />Minnesotans, the people who I believe are the most productive workers in <br />America. <br />• Second, Minnesotans told me that they want to protect and enhance our very special <br />quality of life - from our pristine natural resources to our exciting diversity of cultural <br />attractions. <br />And fmally, a theme that resonated in every town from Rochester to Roseau as we <br />traveled around the state for Minnesota Milestones: We want tc say to every child, <br />’You can be anything you want to be.’ We want to sec every child come to school <br />ready to learn, we want families to provide a stable environment for their children, <br />we want all our children to be healthy and we want every young person to gain the <br />skills needed to compete in a global economy.