New Minnesota State Senator Matt Schmit says getting the state budget in balance is a chief priority for him in the 2013 session as he begins a new experience representing portions of Winona and Goodhue counties, and all of Wabasha County, in the state legislature.

The Red Wing Democrat defeated Republican John Howe in November and says he has been getting familiar with the new District 28 and the state capital.

He says he wants to make sure the business climate in the state is good and promotes job growth.

Schmit is one of 23 freshmen in the state senate which include 14 Democrats and 9 Republicans.

He has some previous experience at the capital having worked with the Education and Finance Committee in the legislature about ten years ago.