Tim Walz

Timothy James "Tim" Walz is an American politician who was formerly a civics teacher, US Army National Guardsman, and farmer.Brad Ryan (August 8. 2024). "Who is Tim Walz? Nine things to know about Kamala Harris's vice-presidential running mate". ABC News (Aus). He has served as the governor of Minnesota since 2019. After incumbent President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 US presidential election, Kamala Harris replaced him on the ticket and selected Governor Walz as her running mate.(August 6, 2024). "Harris decides on Tim Walz as running mate". CNN. (They needed somebody soberAriana Baio (August 6, 2024). "The truth behind Tim Walz’s 1995 DUI arrest and how it changed his life". The Independent. to contrast with J. D. "eating sushi and getting wasted" Vance.Ryan Lizza and Rachael Bade (May 5, 2022). "POLITICO Playbook: The book J.D. Vance doesn’t want you to read". Politico.Liz Skalka (May 5, 2022). "11 Things We Learned From The J.D. Vance Oppo Dump". HuffPost.) Walz is a member of the the state's Democratic Party affiliate.
Prior to serving as governor, Walz served in the US House of Representatives from Minnesota's first district since 2007, a district which comprises the south of the state and is "heavily rural" despite the presence of the small city of Rochester and other smaller towns.Louis Jacobson and Amy Sherman (August 6, 2024). "Looking back at Tim Walz’s record and past statements". PolitiFact, via PBS NewsHour. He was the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee from 2017 until he became governor in 2019.Tim Walz, Who Spent Decades as an Enlisted Soldier, Brings Years of Work on Vets Issues to Dem Ticket. Rebecca Kheel. Military.com August 06, 2024.
In many ways, he is Minnesota's Bernie Sanders. During his time as governor, Walz was limited by the fact that Republicans controlled the senate.The evolution of Tim Walz: from high school teacher to VP nominee. Rachel Leingang. The Guardian. 11 Aug 2024. After Democrats flipped the senate during the 2022 midterm elections, Walz wasted no time in pushing for and signing a wide slate of progressive legislation such as child tax credits, paid family leave, and a program to provide free meals to schoolchildren.Why Tim Walz’s progressive policies appeal to both urban and rural America. Alicia Menendez, Evan Brechtel. NBC News. Aug. 9, 2024. Walz also signed an executive order protecting the right for anyone to receive gender-affirming care in Minnesota,[https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-transgender-health-tim-walz-2a702340ec5facdb2bb6496e711facf1 
Minnesota governor protects rights to gender affirming care]. Steve Karnowski. Associated Press. March 8, 2023. and he created a program to cover public college tuition and fees for families making under $80,000 per year (regardless of immigration status). Amy Koch, the former Republican majority leader in the Minnesota senate, described his record as a "progressive dream list". 
==Policy positions and record==
Walz started out his political career after he and his students were accosted by 2004 George W. Bush campaign staff who demanded to know whether they supported Bush, and initially blocked them from entering an event Bush was at because they saw that one of them had a pro-John Kerry sticker. Walz then became a volunteer for the Kerry campaign, and later ran for Congress.
When he was elected to be a congressman in a rather Republican district (first in 2006, later re-elected five times), he voted like a conservative on some issues, even getting an endorsement from the National Rifle Association, though this would later change heavily. His tenure as a congressman is called "moderate" or "relatively centrist",Brian Bushard (August 6, 2024). "Kamala Harris Picks Tim Walz As Running Mate: Here's What To Know About Him". Forbes.Cameron Joseph (August 6, 2024). "What Tim Walz brings to the table as Kamala Harris' VP pick". Christian Science Monitor. but he later became Governor of Minnesota, from which point Walz and his allies in the Minnesota legislature would go on to pass "one of the most significant progressive agendas in the nation's recent history with just a single-seat Senate majority."
===Economy and infrastructure===
Walz's free school meals program could fall under "economy",Noah Sheidlower (August 6, 2024). "'Walz checks,' free school lunches, and ditching fossil fuels: What Tim Walz's record in Minnesota says about his economic goals". Business Insider. for which see: § Education and poverty.
Under Walz, Minnesota put $1.9 billion towards construction projects, including infrastructure repair and affordable housing. He implemented tax cuts and tax credits for the low and middle-class in Minnesota, as well as various forms of tax relief and rebates following the COVID-19 pandemic (rebate checks were called "Timmy stimmies"). He levied a new 1% sales tax on the state's largest metropolitan area, proceeds from which were to be used for transportation and housing projects. The state used part of its budget surplus to provide rental assistance. Minnesota's gas tax was newly pinned to inflation.
In 2023, Walz signed a $2.6 billion bipartisan public infrastructure bill into law, to invest into projects like roads, water treatment, state parks, and bridges.Steve Karnowski (June 1, 2023). "Minnesota governor signs $2.6B infrastructure plan, a bipartisan success from a partisan session". The Associated Press. The CEO for the state's Associated General Contractors affiliate said Walz was "a strong stalwart for infrastructure investment of all kinds." The president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers praised his infrastructure investments for creating unionized jobs, while Walz was criticized by the non-union Associated Builders and Contractors.Tom Ichniowski, Pam McFarland, and Jeff Yoders (August 6, 2024). "Harris' VP Pick Walz Seen as Stalwart' Infrastructure Supporter". Engineering News-Record.
In May 2024, he signed a " ban, prohibiting a kind of dishonest charge imposed by some businesses on consumers.Madison McVan (May 20, 2024). "Governor signs 'junk fee' ban into law". Minnesota Reformer. He also passed a " bill, protecting consumers who fix devices they own and requiring companies to provide repair instructions. Though, there were exceptions for a few types of devices like farming equipment and video game consoles.Elaine S. Povich (May 30, 2023). "Minnesota’s new ‘right to repair’ law is the broadest one yet". Minnesota Reformer.
===Labor===
Walz is himself a former teacher and union member (with the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers).Andrea Hsu (August 6, 2024). "4 reasons why labor unions love Tim Walz". NPR. During Kamala Harris's veepstakes, the United Auto Workers (UAW) gave Tim Walz or Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear as their preferred choices.Kaia Hubbard (August 4, 2024). "UAW president says Beshear, Walz are union's 'top two' VP picks for Harris". CBS News. Walz had joined the UAW on the picket line the year prior. Walz was also supported by Minnesota's Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) chapters, who sent a letter to Harris recommending he be picked. After Walz was selected, the AFL-CIO expressed their "strong support", highlighting several points from his record.(August 6, 2024). "AFL-CIO Strongly Supports Tim Walz for Vice President". American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
Walz supported a legal regime in Minnesota that prevented workplace bosses from forcing their employees to attend "captive audience meetings", which are used to disseminate anti-union messages and thus discourage labor organizing. Minnesota implemented paid sick leave, higher wages, and health/safety protections for workers. The state also rendered noncompete agreements (contracts that prevent workers from employment at competing businesses) unenforceable. Walz signed a law making a felony, which was called the strongest protection anywhere in the country against wage theft.Stephen Montemayor (July 15, 2019). "Minnesota lawmakers, officials hail new wage-theft law as nation's strongest". The Star Tribune.Pavithra Mohan (August 6, 2024). "Here's where Democratic VP pick Tim Walz stands on workers and organized labor". Fast Company.
Rideshare ("definitely-not taxi") companies Uber and Lyft pressured Walz to veto a bill that would have raised wages for their workers, with the companies threatening to leave the state if it passed, which in turn would have created hardships, especially for disabled people in the state.Lauren Leffer (May 26, 2023). "Uber Bullies Minnesota Governor Into Vetoing Driver Minimum Pay Law". Gizmodo. This veto pissed off labor unions, but Walz and other leaders in the state were eventually able to work out a deal with the companies, effectively raising wages without causing the employers to boycott Minnesota.Caroline Cummings (May 19, 2024). "DFL leaders, Gov. Tim Walz say they have a deal to pay drivers more, keep Uber and Lyft operating in Minnesota after threats to exit". CBS News. Another similar event separately took place without a similar deal: Mayo Clinic threatened to withhold billions in investment from Minnesota if a pro-labor bill was passed without an exemption for themselves. Walz opted to grant them the exemption in light of the ultimatum, which the president of the Minnesota Nurses Association called "betrayal". Responding to Walz's decision, one of the bill's authors stated: "I don't agree, but I want, for the 90% of hospitals that are going to benefit from this legislation, I want for us to proceed."Max Nesterak (May 18, 2023). "Mayo Clinic wins full exemption from nurse staffing bill in agreement with state leaders". Minnesota Reformer.
===Education and poverty===
In 1993, his Nebraskan high school class predicted the Rwandan genocide using Geographic Information Systems,(April 26, 2008). "Nebraska Class Had Predicted Genocide in Rwanda". NPR (Weekend Edition Saturday).Christopher Ingraham (August 6, 2024). "Former geography teacher Tim Walz is really into maps". Minnesota Reformer. so his pedagogy was evidently decent. Or maybe he has a time machine.
One of Walz's better-known policies as governor of Minnesota was the implementation of universal free K-12 school meals for children, then making his state the fourth in the country (earlier states being California, Maine and Colorado) to implement it and prevent school lunch debt or (March 17, 2023). "Gov. Tim Walz signs universal school meals bill into law". CBS News.Kristin Toussaint (August 6, 2024). "How Tim Walz made school meals free for all Minnesota students". Fast Company. At the signing for the bill, he was hugged by joyful kids, which made for a nice photo op.Michelle Griffith (March 17, 2023). "Walz signs universal free school meals into law". Minnesota Reformer. Walz commented: "I do think this is one piece of that puzzle in reducing both childhood poverty and hunger insecurity."Elizabeth Shockman (March 17, 2023). "Walz signs universal school meals bill into Minnesota law". MPR News. Free school meal policies are also known to boost behavioral and academic performance.Elizabeth Shockman and Kyra Miles (August 7, 2024). "6 facts about Walz’s education track record in Minnesota". MPR News.Corin Hoggard (March 8, 2024). "Free school meals in MN: Growth spurt in program leads to budget boost". FOX 9 (KMSP-TV).
The universal free school meals policy in Minnesota led to an increase in meals served, actually millions more than expected. This led to criticism from Republican lawmakers, who argued the policy was a wasteful use of funds.Amy McCarthy and Jaya Saxena (August 6, 2024). "Democratic VP Pick Tim Walz Has Long Centered Food Policy". Eater. Walz responded: "Isn't that rich? Our Republican colleagues were concerned this would be a tax cut for the wealthiest. The haves and have-nots in the lunchroom is not a necessary thing. Just feed our children." (School district leaders stated the program appeared to be utilized by students from both low-income and high-income families.(December 20, 2023). "Minnesota program to provide free school meals for all kids is costing the state more than expected". The Associated Press.) Large majorities of voters in Minnesota, including a slight majority of conservatives, approved.Christopher Ingraham (February 6, 2024). "Free school meals overwhelmingly popular with voters, survey finds". Minnesota Reformer. The policy also received some bipartisan support in the legislature.Eder Campuzano (March 17, 2023). "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs free school meals bill into law". The Star Tribune. Because the program was utilized more than expected, additional funds had to be allocated. The increased funding from the free meals program allowed schools to serve more food made from fresh, locally-grown ingredients.Elizabeth Shockman (February 5, 2024). "Scratch cooking, local ingredients serve up a school lunch revolution in Minnesota". MPR News.
Walz signed into law an expansion of bargaining rights for teachers, with an aim to allow them to negotiate better teacher/student classroom ratios. Among the expanded protections for workers that Walz oversaw as governor were those that provided wage replacement to school bus drivers and cafeteria workers who lacked work during the summertime. The state also provided child tax credits of, on average, $1,244 per child, which is among the most generous in the United States.Steven Greenhouse (August 6, 2024). "Why Harris’ VP Choice Is Good News for Workers". Slate. In March 2020, Walz opted to close schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic; they were gradually reopened over the following year. Minnesota's academic achievement declined during Walz's term, which was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and school restrictions imposed in response to it.
He signed into law a new program for Minnesotans that makes college tuition free for people whose families make under $80,000 a year and who choose to attend a public college in the state.Katherine Knott (August 6, 2024). "Harris's VP Pick Has Backed Free College, Big Investments in State Universities". Inside Higher Ed. He also provided free college tuition to Native American tribe members, and boosted funding for higher education in general. The state also saw billions in added funding for K-12 education, funding which also became pinned to inflation (that is, funding would from then on increase any time inflation went up). Much of the new funding went to newly enacted mandates, including evidence-based teaching strategy in reading instruction, and provision of free menstrual products to students. In 2023, Walz passed a $316 million dollar program to subsidize child care workers, aimed at boosting the number of workers in that field in order to make early education easier to access.(October 17, 2023). "Walz announces start of $316 million program to boost pay for child care". Detroit Lakes Tribune.
===Gun control===
Himself a hunter, Walz was once featured in a "top 20 politicians for gun owners" column by Guns & Ammo. He originally received an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA), but his stance on gun control changed after the 2018 Parkland shooting at the urging of his own daughter.Ben Brasch (August 6, 2024). "Where Tim Walz stands on key issues: Abortion, climate, marijuana and more". The Washington Post. Following this, he donated money given to him by the NRA to charity, passed universal background checks, and passed a red-flag law as governor of Minnesota. He also now supports a so-called "assault weapons ban".
===Criminal justice===
During riots that took place in Minnesota immediately following the killing of George Floyd, Walz sent the Minnesota National Guard to assist local police.Lucien Bruggeman and Katherine Faulders (August 7, 2024). "Despite new criticism, Trump told Walz in 2020 he was 'very happy' with his handling of George Floyd protests". ABC News. He was actually criticized for not doing so sooner, though in fact he did so three days after the protests began. Walz falsely claimed people were coming in from out-of-state ("20 percent that are Minnesotans and about 80 percent are outside") to stoke the unrest, which was a reaction to police brutality. He even bizarrely said they were "organizing" on the "dark web". After this was debunked, Walz did not claim it anymore.
He later passed multiple police and prison reform laws, including one reforming the prison system with a more rehabilitative than punitive approach. Minnesota under Walz simultaneously boosted grants for local law enforcement and general violence prevention programs. He also oversaw restoration of suffrage for former felons. As a congressman, he voted to reauthorize the 
As Governor, he oversaw the legalization of recreational marijuana in the state, with regulations and a ten percent tax. He also pushed to expunge convictions for past marijuana offenses. Walz initially signed a bill that banned school police from using face-down restraint against students, but he also signed the repeal of the ban.
===Foreign policy===
In 1989–1990, Walz was, briefly, an English teacher in China; he was part of "one of the first government-sanctioned groups of American educators to teach in Chinese high schools.""Tim Walz on Foreign Policy". On The Issues. Prior to Walz, the most recent candidate on a presidential ticket to have lived in China was George H. W. Bush.Jesse Johnson (August 7, 2024). "New Democratic VP pick Walz adds deep China experience to ticket". The Japan Times. In 2016, he stated: "I don't fall into the category that China necessarily needs to be an adversarial relationship. I totally disagree, and I think we need to stand firm, on what they're doing in the South China Sea, but there's many areas of cooperation that we can work on." In separate comments the same year: "I think the idea was, with a free-market economy, we would see a more opening of the Chinese grip on social life and on human rights. That simply has not occurred."
As a congressman, he sponsored a number of bills criticizing the Chinese government's human rights abuses, and in 2016 he met the Dalai Lama.(August 7, 2024). "China-tied US Democratic vice-presidential candidate has solid record of criticizing Beijing, met Dalai Lama". Tibetan Review. He has supported autonomy for Tibet, and democracy in Hong Kong. In response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Walz issued a condemnation. He also criticized China for supporting Russia's war: "We need to cooperate with China on issues such as climate change and agricultural production, but I'm disappointed with China's recent performance — on the Ukraine issue, they are on Russia's side."Chad de Guzman and Koh Ewe (August 7, 2024). "What to Know About Tim Walz's Relationship With China". TIME.
In Congress, he voted in support of the US government officially recognizing the Armenian genocide. He also cosponsored the "Cosponsors: H.R.664 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)". Congress.gov. about which he commented: "Rolling back relations [with] Cuba hurts the interests of [Minnesotan] farmers and ranchers."Tim Walz (June 16, 2017). "Rolling back relations w/ Cuba hurts the interests of MN farmers and ranchers. My statement on @POTUS’ #Cuba policy: http://walz.house.gov". Twitter, via archive.today. In 2013, he was "incredibly skeptical" of proposed US military action against Syria amidst the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War.James M. Lindsay (August 7, 2024). "Meet Tim Walz, Democratic Vice-Presidential Candidate". Council on Foreign Relations.(August 27, 2013). "Anti-War Democrats Speak up on Syria". Politico, via the office of Barbara Lee.(September 10, 2013). "Walz won't support Syria strike". The Star Tribune. Commenting on that after meeting with constituents, he said: "They've learned their lesson over the last decade about questioning evidence for war and making that bar very high."Mark Zdechlik (September 6, 2013). "Citizens to Rep. Walz: Do not vote to authorize attack on Syria". MPR News. Wonder what that could be referring to. Speaking of which, Walz voted in favor of withdrawal from Iraq in 2007; though after this measure failed, he also voted to retain funding for the war there. He supported the Iran nuclear deal (the in 2015.
As a congressman, Walz supported US foreign aid to Israel, and humanitarian aid to Palestinians.Adam Lucente (August 6, 2024). "Meet Tim Walz, Harris' VP: Progressive favorite with mainstream views on Israel, Iran". Al-Monitor. He went to both Israel (where he met Netanyahu) and Palestine in 2009; he spoke at in 2010. In 2024, Walz responded to the pro-Palestinian that cast "uncommitted" protest votes in the 2024 Democratic presidential primary in response to Joe Biden's Israel policies. Walz praised them for being "civically engaged", and commented: "We've got to bring these people back in and listen to what they're saying. Take them seriously. Their message is clear, that they think this is an intolerable situation and we can do more, and I think the president is hearing that." In March 2024, he called for a ceasefire in the Israel–Gaza war.
Separately, he stated about then-recent pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses: "I think when Jewish students are telling us they feel unsafe in that, we need to believe them, and I do believe them. Creating a space where political dissent or political rallying can happen is one thing. Intimidation is another. All of us agree the situation in Gaza is intolerable. What happened on Oct. 7 was intolerable."Philissa Cramer (August 1, 2024). "Harris veepstakes watch: Tim Walz's record on Israel, Holocaust education and antisemitism". The Forward. After Walz was selected as Harris's running mate, Uncommitted Movement adviser Elianne Farhat commented that he had "demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve as a public leader" in the past; he was also praised by the chair for Democratic Majority for Israel as a "proud pro-Israel Democrat with a strong record of supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship." Now, kiss!Bryan Metzger (August 6, 2024). "Where Gov. Tim Walz stands on Israel, Gaza, and pro-Palestinian protests". Business Insider. At a campaign stop on August 8, 2024, Walz along with Harris met with Uncommitted Movement leaders in Michigan.Russ McNamara (August 8, 2024). "Harris and Walz meet with ‘uncommitted’ leaders, union members during Detroit campaign stop". Detroit Public Radio.
===Medicine===
In 2010, he voted for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as a congressman, though sparred with the Obama administration over some details of it; in 2015 he voted to repeal an excise tax on medical devices that was previously part of the ACA, and in 2016 blamed the individual market for rising healthcare costs for farmers in his district. On other points, he was in line with the administration, for instance supporting the Medicaid expansion and protections for people with pre-existing medical conditions.
He advocated for Medicare drug price negotiation to lower costs.Suzanne Blake (August 6, 2024). "What Tim Walz Has Said About Medicare". Newsweek. In Congress, he would also have a focus on veteran's issues, supporting a veteran suicide prevention bill and research into lasting effects of Agent Orange on veterans. He also supported bills allowing the FDA to regulate tobacco products, and to tax cigarettes; revenues from the latter would be used to expand the by $35 billion.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Walz attempted to implement mandatory masking and enforced social distancing as Governor of Minnesota, measures which were challenged in the courts. However, Minnesota achieved lower death tolls than much of the rest of the country. As of 2022–2023, the state ranked well in healthcare across a series of indicators.Joshua P. Cohen (August 6, 2024). "VP Pick Walz's Healthcare Policies Align With Harris’s Record". Forbes.
As governor of Minnesota, Walz signed bills protecting access to both abortions and transgender medicine, as these forms of healthcare both came under increasing political attack.(April 21, 2023). "Minnesota lawmakers approve conversion therapy ban, protection for gender-affirming care". CBS News (The Associated Press).Brooke Migdon (April 27, 2023). "Minnesota governor signs bills protecting reproductive, gender-affirming care, banning conversion therapy". The Hill. The former was done under the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act, which guaranteed: "every individual has a fundamental right to make autonomous decisions about the individual's own reproductive health".Max Nesterak, J. Patrick Coolican and Deena Winter (August 7, 2024). "Here's what Tim Walz has done as governor of Minnesota". Minnesota Reformer. Walz supports access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), a fertility treatment which his own family used to conceive their daughter.Rebecca Schneid (August 7, 2024). "For Tim Walz, the IVF Political Battles Are Personal". TIME.
In 2023, the state largely banned the discredited alternative medicine practice of so-called conversion therapy, which aims to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression,(April 2023). "Minnesota Session Laws - 2023, Regular Session / CHAPTER 28--H.F.No. 16". Office of the Revisor of Statutes (Minnesota Legislature).(October 2015). "Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth". Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (PDF.) Publication ID: SMA15-4928. and instead results in worse mental health. Licensed practitioners were prohibited from attempting to use conversion practices on minors or vulnerable adults. The law also prohibits dishonest advertising of conversion practices, and denies funding or insurance coverage for the practices. The law was built on an earlier 2021 executive order by Walz.Steve Karnowski (July 15, 2021). "Minnesota governor restricts ‘conversion therapy’ for minors". PBS NewsHour (The Associated Press).
In June 2024, Walz "signed a law banning medical providers from withholding medically necessary care due to unpaid debt", that being "medical debt"; he has cited his family's own experience with medical debt as informing his policy.Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi (August 6, 2024). "Walz’s record on health care: Progressive with a dash of pragmatism". The Hill.Ariel Cohen, Lia DeGroot and Sandhya Raman (August 6, 2024). "Walz's personal experiences shape his health policy outlook". Roll Call. It was also banned for medical debt to impact an individual's overall credit score. The state settled a lawsuit with a big pharmaceutical company (Eli Lilly) to cap insulin prices at $35 per month,Zoey Becker (February 8, 2024). "Eli Lilly agrees to provide free and lower-priced insulin in Minnesota to resolve 2018 lawsuit". Fierce Pharma.Peter Cox (February 7, 2024). "Eli Lilly settlement caps insulin prices for Minnesotans". MPR News. and Walz also signed legislation to this effect.(April 15, 2020). "Governor Walz Signs Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act". Office of Governor Tim Walz. Walz pushed Minnesota towards a "public option" system, expanding eligibility for buying into MinnesotaCare.
===Corruption and government===
As of August 2024, Walz's financial disclosures showed he owned no stocks, bonds, or real estate.Dan Mangan (August 7, 2024). "Harris running mate Gov. Tim Walz owns no stocks, bonds or real estate, disclosure shows". CNBC. As governor, he passed the Democracy for the People Act in Minnesota, which made it easier to vote, and banned tampering with voting equipment or intimidating election workers.
While Walz was Governor of Minnesota, the FBI issued indictments against "Feeding Our Future", which later led into multiple convictions in relation to the fraudulent enterprise.Aki Nace (June 7, 2024). "Five out of seven defendants in Feeding our Future fraud case found guilty of multiple counts". CBS News (The Associated Press). Feeding Our Future was fraudulently claiming to have been feeding children, receiving federal money that was instead used to buy luxury goods and cars. Walz's state Department of Education was criticized for not being proactive enough so as to uncover the fraud sooner; the Office of the Legislative Auditor somewhat concurred. However, it was reported that the fraud "was uncovered by the Minnesota Department of Education" in any case.(September 20, 2022). "Feds: 48 charged in 'brazen' $250M COVID spending fraud centered in Minnesota". MPR News.
===Immigration===
In 2023, he expanded access to state driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. Walz also supports citizenship for "DREAMers", who are so called in relation to the 
===Environment and farming===
In 2023, as Governor of Minnesota, Walz signed into law a requirement that the state generate all of its energy using carbon-free sources by 2040. The state passed dozens of policies aimed at investing into renewable energy and mitigating carbon emissions, with in turn an aim of mitigating climate change. At times, however, the state government under Walz was criticized by local environmental groups for sluggishness to enforce regulations against carbon polluters,Madison McVan (June 10, 2024). "Environmental groups call for hearings over MPCA issues". Minnesota Reformer. defining woody biomass as "carbon-free" energy,Madison McVan (July 23, 2024). "Is burning wood or trash 'carbon free'? The utilities want you to think so". Minnesota Reformer. and not using an executive order to halt reconstruction of a pipeline (subject of the 
In July 2024, Walz announced a $200 million grant from the EPA, that would be used to reduce carbon emissions through investments in new tractors and refrigerators; the grant was also to be used for restoring Minnesotan peatlands.(July 23, 2024). "Governor Walz Announces $200 Million for Climate-Smart Food Systems in Minnesota". Office of Governor Tim Walz. Minnesota also passed a law under Walz to eliminate nonessential " (PFAS), a form of so-called "forever chemicals".Steve Karnowski (May 11, 2023). "Minnesota poised to ban non-essential uses of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals'". PBS NewsHour (The Associated Press).
==External links==
*Tim Walz, profile at On the Issues
==Notes==
==References==
Category:2024 US presidential election
Category:Educators
Category:Former United States Representatives
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Category:Running mates
Category:United States Governors
Category:United States politicians