Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, known for his progressive policies, has implemented 11 key initiatives during his tenure with a Democratic legislature. These policies offer insight into the potential priorities of a hypothetical Harris-Walz administration, should the Democrats prevail in the upcoming election.
Walz’s policies include introducing a one percent surtax on net investment income exceeding $1 million, effectively increasing taxes. He has also made approximately 81,000 undocumented immigrants eligible for driver’s licenses and approved taxpayer-funded free college tuition for this demographic.
Additionally, Walz has established a 20-week taxpayer-funded family and medical leave program and mandated that utilities generate 80 percent of their electricity from carbon-free sources by 2030. He has also allocated taxpayer funds to subsidize the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in newly constructed buildings.
Other notable policies include the repeal of abortion laws, allowing for unrestricted access and no age restrictions for minors. Walz has also declared Minnesota a “trans refuge” and rolled back election integrity laws by introducing automatic voter registration and permanent absentee ballot options.
Furthermore, Walz has signed a bill requiring schools to provide period products in boys’ bathrooms. His response to the Minneapolis riots following the death of George Floyd has been criticized for being inadequate.
Walz also attempted to downplay concerns about President Joe Biden’s fitness for office in January.
Vice President Kamala Harris announced her selection of Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, praising his record as a governor, coach, teacher, and veteran. “I am proud to announce that I’ve asked @Tim_Walz to be my running mate,” she posted. “He’s delivered for working families like his.”
The Trump campaign swiftly responded, criticizing Harris’s choice as a “wannabe” West Coast Democrat with a “dangerously liberal” record. “It’s no surprise that Kamala Harris wants Tim Walz as her running mate – Walz has spent his governorship trying to reshape Minnesota in the image of California,” said Karoline Leavitt, Trump Campaign press secretary.
