At Issue: Jan. 23 — Governor proposes ‘Walz Checks’; more details emerge on Hutchinson DWI investigation

Gov. Tim Walz is proposing a direct rebate to Minnesotans using the state’s projected $7.7 billion budget surplus. The "Walz Checks" would deliver $350 to most married couples and $175 to single taxpayers, but Republicans are criticizing the plan as "election-year gimmickry."

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS political analysts take a look at the Democratic proposals for the surplus and how Republicans are responding.

The governor is also calling on Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson to resign as more details surrounding his drunken-driving crash this month come to light. The Minnesota State Patrol released photos, video and audio of the aftermath earlier this week.

Plus, more than a dozen legislators have already announced their plans to retire after their term runs out. House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, says a shakeup is typical in a redistricting year.

"Once the maps come out that will probably expedite things. That’s usually the moment people take to announce a change in their plans," she said.