On Monday, Jan. 5, Gov. Tim Walz announced that he will retire following his second term as Minnesota governor. Sen. Bill Weber (R-Luverne) released the following statement:

“I continue to hear frustration from Minnesotans who feel abandoned by years of poor oversight and misplaced priorities. Billions in taxpayer dollars have been lost to fraud and waste, with no accountability in sight.  

“Walz’s decision to retire may open the door to change, but it doesn’t undo the damage of failed leadership. One-party control spent the $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and imposed mandates that hurt families, seniors, businesses, schools and local governments. In other words, they have hurt everyone!

“I will continue to hold Walz and Democrats accountable and fight for a government that works for Minnesotans.”