Tim Walz

{{bronze}}
[[File:Governor Tim Walz at Bemidji Steel (cropped2).jpg|thumb|right|165px|Walz at a steel factory in 2024.]]
{{cquote|[W]e’ll build a country where workers come first, health care and housing are human rights, and the government stays the hell out of your bedroom. That’s how we make America a place where no child is left hungry. Where no community is left behind. Where nobody gets told they don’t belong.|||Walz at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.<ref name="walzdncspee">[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/watch-tim-walz-full-speech-2024-dnc-transcript/ Watch: Tim Walz's full speech at the 2024 DNC]. ''CBS News.'' August 22, 2024.</ref>}}
{{cquote|He’ll unleash HELL ON EARTH...|||[[Donald Trump]], posting on [[Truth Social]].<ref>[https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tim-walz-donald-trump-kamala-harris_n_66b233afe4b0b3da4752de85 Donald Trump Claims Tim Walz Will 'Unleash HELL ON EARTH']. ''Huffington Post.''</ref>}}
{{uspolitics}}
'''Timothy James "Tim" Walz''' {{lived|1964}} is an [[American]] politician who was formerly a civics teacher, [[US Army]] National Guardsman, and farmer.<ref name="ABCBR">Brad Ryan (August 8. 2024). [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-07/tim-walz-kamala-harris-vice-president-running-mate/104187318 "Who is Tim Walz? Nine things to know about Kamala Harris's vice-presidential running mate"]. ''ABC News'' (Aus).</ref> 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.<ref>(August 6, 2024). [https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/06/politics/tim-walz-harris-vice-president/index.html "Harris decides on Tim Walz as running mate"]. ''CNN''.</ref> (They needed somebody sober<ref>Ariana Baio (August 6, 2024). [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/tim-walz-democrat-vice-president-dui-b2592248.html "The truth behind Tim Walz’s 1995 DUI arrest and how it changed his life"]. ''The Independent''.</ref> to contrast with [[J. D. Vance|J. D. "eating sushi and getting wasted" Vance]].<ref>Ryan Lizza and Rachael Bade (May 5, 2022). [https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook/2022/05/05/the-book-j-d-vance-doesnt-want-you-to-read-00030287 "POLITICO Playbook: The book J.D. Vance doesn’t want you to read"]. ''Politico''.</ref><ref>Liz Skalka (May 5, 2022). [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jd-vance-opposition-research-ohio-senate_n_6272dd7ce4b00fbab6296314 "11 Things We Learned From The J.D. Vance Oppo Dump"]. ''HuffPost''.</ref>) Walz is a member of the {{w|Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party||,}}<ref name="GHL"/> the state's [[Democratic Party]] affiliate.{{efn|The party's title is a quirky vestige from the {{w|Progressive Era||.}} In 1944, Minnesota's state Democratic Party merged with the state's {{w|Farmer–Labor Party||,}} which itself was a coalition originating as a mix of anti-[[monopoly]] farmers' movements, [[labor union]]ists, and worker cooperative movements.}}

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.<ref name="PolitiFactPBS">Louis Jacobson and  Amy Sherman (August 6, 2024). [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-tim-walzs-past-statements "Looking back at Tim Walz’s record and past statements"]. ''PolitiFact'', via PBS NewsHour.</ref> He was the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee from 2017 until he became governor in 2019.<ref>[https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/08/06/tim-walz-who-spent-decades-enlisted-soldier-brings-years-of-work-vets-issues-dem-ticket.html 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.</ref>

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.<ref name="walzlist">[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/11/tim-walz-evolution The evolution of Tim Walz: from high school teacher to VP nominee]. Rachel Leingang. ''The Guardian.'' 11 Aug 2024.</ref> 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.<ref name="walzlist2">[https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/tim-walz-harris-progressive-policies-minnesota-rcna165883 Why Tim Walz’s progressive policies appeal to both urban and rural America]. Alicia Menendez, Evan Brechtel. ''NBC News.'' Aug. 9, 2024.</ref> Walz also signed an executive order protecting the right for anyone to receive [[gender-affirming care]] in Minnesota,<ref>[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.</ref> and he created a program to cover public college tuition and fees for families making under $80,000 per year (regardless of [[undocumented immigration|immigration status]]).<ref name="walzlist2"/> Amy Koch, the former Republican majority leader in the Minnesota senate, described his record as a "progressive dream list".<ref name="walzlist"/>  

==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.<ref name="PolitiFactPBS"/>

When he was elected to be a congressman in a rather [[Republican]] district (first in 2006, later re-elected five times<ref name="RCDCR"/>), he voted like a conservative on some issues, even getting an endorsement from the [[National Rifle Association]],<ref name="PolitiFactPBS"/><ref name="RCDCR"/> though this would later change heavily.<ref name="RCDCR"/> His tenure as a congressman is called "[[moderate]]" or "relatively [[centrist]]",<ref>Brian Bushard (August 6, 2024). [https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2024/08/06/kamala-harris-picks-tim-walz-as-running-mate-heres-what-to-know-about-him/ "Kamala Harris Picks Tim Walz As Running Mate: Here's What To Know About Him"]. ''Forbes''.</ref><ref name="CSCJ">Cameron Joseph (August 6, 2024). [https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2024/0806/tim-walz-vp-kamala-harris-election "What Tim Walz brings to the table as Kamala Harris' VP pick"]. ''[[Christian Science Monitor]]''.</ref> 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."<ref name="MRMN"/>

===Economy and infrastructure===
[[File:Governor Tim Walz visiting Duluth Wastewater Plant - 53483470908.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Governor Walz visits a wastewater plant in Duluth, January 2024.]]

Walz's free school meals program could fall under "economy",<ref name="BINS">Noah Sheidlower (August 6, 2024). [https://www.businessinsider.com/kamala-harris-vp-pick-tim-walz-economic-policies-education-climate-2024-8 "'Walz checks,' free school lunches, and ditching fossil fuels: What Tim Walz's record in Minnesota says about his economic goals"]. ''Business Insider''.</ref> for which see: ''[[#Education and poverty|§ Education and poverty]]''.

Under Walz, Minnesota put $1.9 billion towards construction projects, including infrastructure repair and affordable housing.<ref name="BINS"/> 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").<ref name="BINS"/><ref name="MRMN"/><ref name="CSCJ"/> 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.<ref name="MRMN"/> The state used part of its budget surplus to provide rental assistance.<ref name="MRMN"/> Minnesota's gas tax was newly pinned to [[inflation]].<ref name="MRMN"/>

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.<ref>Steve Karnowski (June 1, 2023). [https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-legislature-bonding-infrastructure-13f12fdcec25d445a7c0e3a94d28c432 "Minnesota governor signs $2.6B infrastructure plan, a bipartisan success from a partisan session"]. ''The Associated Press''.</ref><ref name="ENR"/> 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.<ref name="ENR">Tom Ichniowski, Pam McFarland, and Jeff Yoders (August 6, 2024). [https://www.enr.com/articles/59089-harris-vp-pick-walz-seen-as-stalwart-infrastructure-supporter "Harris' VP Pick Walz Seen as Stalwart' Infrastructure Supporter"]. ''Engineering News-Record''.</ref>

In May 2024, he signed a "{{wiktl|junk fee||"}} ban, prohibiting a kind of dishonest charge imposed by some businesses on consumers.<ref>Madison McVan (May 20, 2024). [https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/05/20/governor-signs-junk-fee-ban-into-law/ "Governor signs 'junk fee' ban into law"]. ''Minnesota Reformer''.</ref> He also passed a "{{w|right to repair||"}} 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.<ref>Elaine S. Povich (May 30, 2023). [https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/05/30/minnesotas-new-right-to-repair-law-is-the-broadest-one-yet/ "Minnesota’s new ‘right to repair’ law is the broadest one yet"]. ''Minnesota Reformer''.</ref>

===Labor===
[[File:Tim Walz — Virginia, MN 2021.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Governor Walz visits a fire station in the confusingly-named city of Virginia, Minnesota.]]

Walz is himself a former teacher and union member (with the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers).<ref name="AFLVP"/><ref name="NPR4L">Andrea Hsu (August 6, 2024). [https://www.npr.org/2024/08/06/nx-s1-5065626/labor-unions-tim-walz-minnesota-running-mate-vp "4 reasons why labor unions love Tim Walz"]. ''NPR''.</ref> During Kamala Harris's veepstakes, the United Auto Workers (UAW) gave Tim Walz or Governor of [[Kentucky]] Andy Beshear as their preferred choices.<ref>Kaia Hubbard (August 4, 2024). [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/beshear-walz-are-uaws-vp-picks-harris/ "UAW president says Beshear, Walz are union's 'top two' VP picks for Harris"]. ''CBS News''.</ref> Walz had joined the UAW on the picket line the year prior.<ref name="NPR4L"/> 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.<ref name="FCL"/> After Walz was selected, the AFL-CIO expressed their "strong support", highlighting several points from his record.<ref name="AFLVP">(August 6, 2024). [https://aflcio.org/press/releases/afl-cio-strongly-supports-tim-walz-vice-president "AFL-CIO Strongly Supports Tim Walz for Vice President"]. ''American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)''.</ref>

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.<ref name="NPR4L"/><ref name="FCL"/> 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.<ref name="NPR4L"/><ref name="FCL"/> Walz signed a law making {{w|wage theft}} a [[felony]], which was called the strongest protection anywhere in the country against wage theft.<ref>Stephen Montemayor (July 15, 2019). [https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-lawmakers-officials-hail-new-wage-theft-law-as-nation-s-strongest/512743152 "Minnesota lawmakers, officials hail new wage-theft law as nation's strongest"]. ''The Star Tribune''.</ref><ref name="FCL">Pavithra Mohan (August 6, 2024). [https://www.fastcompany.com/91168034/heres-where-democratic-vp-pick-tim-walz-stands-on-workers-and-organized-labor "Here's where Democratic VP pick Tim Walz stands on workers and organized labor"]. ''Fast Company''.</ref>

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.<ref>Lauren Leffer (May 26, 2023). [https://gizmodo.com/uber-rideshare-lyft-minnesota-gov-walz-gig-work-1850478928 "Uber Bullies Minnesota Governor Into Vetoing Driver Minimum Pay Law"]. ''Gizmodo''.</ref> This veto pissed off labor unions,<ref name="GHL"/> 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.<ref>Caroline Cummings (May 19, 2024). [https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/lawmakers-come-to-last-minute-deal-to-keep-uber-lyft-in-minnesota/ "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''.</ref> 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."<ref name="MRMN"/><ref>Max Nesterak (May 18, 2023). [https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/05/18/mayo-clinic-wins-full-exemption-from-nurse-staffing-bill-in-agreement-with-state-leaders/ "Mayo Clinic wins full exemption from nurse staffing bill in agreement with state leaders"]. ''Minnesota Reformer''.</ref><ref name="THNWJC"/>

===Education and poverty===
[[File:Tim Walz signs free school lunches bill.jpg|thumb|right|375px|Governor Walz celebrates with students at a Minneapolis elementary school after signing a bill to provide free school meals to children.]]

In 1993, his [[Nebraska]]n high school class predicted the [[Rwandan genocide]] using Geographic Information Systems,<ref>(April 26, 2008). [https://www.npr.org/2008/04/26/89967138/nebraska-class-had-predicted-genocide-in-rwanda "Nebraska Class Had Predicted Genocide in Rwanda"]. ''NPR'' (Weekend Edition Saturday).</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Freedman |first=Samuel G. |date=2008-04-23 |title=High School Project on Genocide Was a Portent of Real-Life Events |url=https://archive.ph/rFNhh|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>Christopher Ingraham (August 6, 2024). [https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/06/former-geography-teacher-tim-walz-is-really-into-maps/ "Former geography teacher Tim Walz is really into maps"]. ''Minnesota Reformer''.</ref> so his pedagogy was evidently decent.{{efn|Walz took an especial interest in [[genocide]] studies; his master's thesis was written on the subject of [[Holocaust]] education.<ref>Andrew Lapin (August 6, 2024). [https://www.jta.org/2024/08/06/politics/tim-walz-wrote-a-masters-thesis-on-holocaust-education-just-as-his-own-schools-approach-drew-criticism "Tim Walz wrote a master’s thesis on Holocaust education, just as his own school's approach drew criticism"]. ''Jewish Telegraphic Agency''.</ref>}} 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 {{w|lunch shaming||.}}<ref>(March 17, 2023). [https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/gov-tim-walz-signs-universal-school-meals-bill-into-law/ "Gov. Tim Walz signs universal school meals bill into law"]. ''CBS News''.</ref><ref name="MPRS"/><ref name="FCT">Kristin Toussaint (August 6, 2024). [https://www.fastcompany.com/91168428/how-tim-walz-made-school-meals-free-for-all-minnesota-students "How Tim Walz made school meals free for all Minnesota students"]. ''Fast Company''.</ref> At the signing for the bill, he was hugged by joyful kids, which made for a nice photo op.<ref name="MPRS"/><ref>Michelle Griffith (March 17, 2023). [https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/walz-signs-universal-free-school-meals-into-law/ "Walz signs universal free school meals into law"]. ''Minnesota Reformer''.</ref> Walz commented: "I do think this is one piece of that puzzle in reducing both childhood poverty and hunger insecurity."<ref name="MPRS">Elizabeth Shockman (March 17, 2023). [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/03/17/gov-signs-universal-school-meals-bill-into-law "Walz signs universal school meals bill into Minnesota law"]. ''MPR News''.</ref> Free school meal policies are also known to boost behavioral and academic performance.<ref name="FCT"/><ref name="MPRM">Elizabeth Shockman and Kyra Miles (August 7, 2024). [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/08/07/walz-education-track-record-minnesota "6 facts about Walz’s education track record in Minnesota"]. ''MPR News''.</ref><ref name="Fox9Lunch">Corin Hoggard (March 8, 2024). [https://www.fox9.com/news/free-school-meals-minnesota-popularity "Free school meals in MN: Growth spurt in program leads to budget boost"]. ''FOX 9'' (KMSP-TV).</ref>

The universal free school meals policy in Minnesota led to an increase in meals served, actually millions more than expected.<ref name="Fox9Lunch"/> This led to criticism from Republican lawmakers, who argued the policy was a wasteful use of funds.<ref name="EatAMJS">Amy McCarthy and Jaya Saxena (August 6, 2024). [https://www.eater.com/24214595/tim-walz-democratic-vp-free-school-lunch-food-policy "Democratic VP Pick Tim Walz Has Long Centered Food Policy"]. ''Eater''.</ref><ref name="FCT"/> 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."<ref name="FCT"/> (School district leaders stated the program appeared to be utilized by students from both low-income and high-income families.<ref>(December 20, 2023). [https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-free-school-meals-education-children-18fdcf4c360684b3f42f91fa22457d49 "Minnesota program to provide free school meals for all kids is costing the state more than expected"]. ''The Associated Press''.</ref>) Large majorities of voters in Minnesota, including a slight majority of conservatives, approved.<ref>Christopher Ingraham (February 6, 2024). [https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/free-school-meals-overwhelmingly-popular-with-voters-survey-finds/ "Free school meals overwhelmingly popular with voters, survey finds"]. ''Minnesota Reformer''.</ref><ref name="MPRM"/> The policy also received some bipartisan support in the legislature.<ref>Eder Campuzano (March 17, 2023). [https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-gov-tim-walz-signs-free-school-meals-bill-into-law/600259831 "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs free school meals bill into law"]. ''The Star Tribune''.</ref> Because the program was utilized more than expected, additional funds had to be allocated.<ref name="Fox9Lunch"/> The increased funding from the free meals program allowed schools to serve more food made from fresh, locally-grown ingredients.<ref name="EatAMJS"/><ref>Elizabeth Shockman (February 5, 2024). [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/02/05/scratch-cooking-local-ingredients-serving-up-a-school-lunch-revolution-in-minnesota "Scratch cooking, local ingredients serve up a school lunch revolution in Minnesota"]. ''MPR News''.</ref>

Walz signed into law an expansion of bargaining rights for teachers, with an aim to allow them to negotiate better teacher/student classroom ratios.<ref name="GHL"/> 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.<ref name="FCL"/> The state also provided child tax credits of, on average, $1,244 per child, which is among the most generous in the United States.<ref name="GHL">Steven Greenhouse (August 6, 2024). [https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/08/tim-walz-unions-labor-record-kamala-harris-vp-pick.html "Why Harris’ VP Choice Is Good News for Workers"]. ''Slate''.</ref> In March 2020, Walz opted to close schools due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]; they were gradually reopened over the following year.<ref name="MPRM"/> 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.<ref name="MRMN"/>

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.<ref name="IHEE">Katherine Knott (August 6, 2024). [https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/politics-elections/2024/08/06/tim-walz-has-backed-free-college-big-higher-ed "Harris's VP Pick Has Backed Free College, Big Investments in State Universities"]. ''Inside Higher Ed''.</ref><ref name="BraschW"/> He also provided free college tuition to [[Native American]] tribe members, and boosted funding for higher education in general.<ref name="IHEE"/> The state also saw billions in added funding for K-12 education,<ref name="BINS"/><ref name="MRMN"/> funding which also became pinned to inflation (that is, funding would from then on increase any time inflation went up).<ref name="MPRM"/> Much of the new funding went to newly enacted mandates, including [[evidence]]-based teaching strategy in reading instruction, and provision of free [[Menstruation|menstrual]] products to students.<ref name="MRMN"/> 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.<ref name="MPRM"/><ref>(October 17, 2023). [https://www.dl-online.com/news/local/walz-announces-new-316-million-program-to-boost-pay-for-child-care "Walz announces start of $316 million program to boost pay for child care"]. ''Detroit Lakes Tribune''.</ref>

===Gun control===
[[File:Walz Pheasant Hunting2008.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Walz holds a pheasant during a hunting trip, 2008.]]
{{cquote|Look, I know guns. I'm a veteran. I'm a hunter. I was a better shot than most Republicans in Congress and I have the trophies to prove it. But I'm also a dad. I believe in the Second Amendment. But I also believe that our first responsibility is to keep our kids safe.|||Walz at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.<ref name="walzdncspee"/>}}
Himself a hunter,<ref name="MRMN"/><ref name="CSCJ"/> Walz was once featured in a "top 20 politicians for gun owners" column by ''Guns & Ammo''.<ref name="ABCBR"/> 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.<ref name="BraschW">Ben Brasch (August 6, 2024). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/08/06/tim-walz-policies-harris-vp-pick/ "Where Tim Walz stands on key issues: Abortion, climate, marijuana and more"]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref name="RCDCR"/> 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.<ref name="BraschW"/><ref name="MRMN"/><ref name="RCDCR"/> He also now supports a so-called "assault weapons ban".<ref name="FJPC"/>

===Criminal justice===
[[File:Office of Governor Walz & Lt. Governor Flanagan - 53626224865.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Governor Walz at the Minnesota State Patrol headquarters, 2024.]]

During riots that took place in Minnesota immediately following the killing of [[George Floyd]], Walz sent the Minnesota National Guard to assist local police.<ref name="PolitiFactPBS"/><ref>Lucien Bruggeman and Katherine Faulders (August 7, 2024). [https://abcnews.go.com/US/despite-new-criticism-trump-told-walz-2020-happy/story?id=112616502 "Despite new criticism, Trump told Walz in 2020 he was 'very happy' with his handling of George Floyd protests"]. ''ABC News''.</ref> He was actually criticized for not doing so sooner, though in fact he did so three days after the protests began.<ref name="MRMN"/> 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]]".<ref name="PolitiFactPBS"/> After this was debunked, Walz did not claim it anymore.<ref name="PolitiFactPBS"/>

He later passed multiple police and [[prison]] reform laws,<ref name="BraschW"/><ref name="MRMN"/> including one reforming the prison system with a more rehabilitative than punitive approach.<ref name="MRMN"/> Minnesota under Walz simultaneously boosted grants for local law enforcement and general violence prevention programs.<ref name="MRMN"/> He also oversaw restoration of suffrage for former felons.<ref name="MRMN"/> As a congressman, he voted to reauthorize the {{w|Violence Against Women Act||.}}<ref name="RCDCR"/>

As Governor, he oversaw the legalization of recreational [[marijuana]] in the state,<ref name="PolitiFactPBS"/><ref name="BraschW"/><ref name="THNWJC"/> with regulations<ref name="BINS"/> and a ten percent tax.<ref name="BraschW"/> He also pushed to expunge convictions for past marijuana offenses.<ref name="BraschW"/><ref name="THNWJC"/> 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.<ref name="MRMN"/>

===Foreign policy===
[[File:Tim Walz, official portrait, 110th Congress (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|225px|Representative Tim Walz, official portrait, November 2006. He had more hair back then.]]
In 1989–1990, Walz was, briefly, an English teacher in [[China]];<ref name="TRCN"/> he was part of "one of the first government-sanctioned groups of American educators to teach in Chinese high schools."<ref name="OTIFP">[https://www.ontheissues.org/2024/Tim_Walz_Foreign_Policy.htm "Tim Walz on Foreign Policy"]. ''On The Issues''.</ref><ref name="TJPJJ"/> Prior to Walz, the most recent candidate on a presidential ticket to have lived in China was [[George H. W. Bush]].<ref name="TJPJJ">Jesse Johnson (August 7, 2024). [https://archive.ph/eQOgz "New Democratic VP pick Walz adds deep China experience to ticket"]. ''The Japan Times''.</ref> 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."<ref name="ABCBR"/><ref name="TRCN"/> 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."<ref name="TCGE"/>

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]].<ref name="TJPJJ"/><ref name="TRCN">(August 7, 2024). [https://www.tibetanreview.net/china-tied-us-democratic-vice-presidential-candidate-has-solid-record-of-criticizing-beijing-met-dalai-lama/ "China-tied US Democratic vice-presidential candidate has solid record of criticizing Beijing, met Dalai Lama"]. ''Tibetan Review''.</ref><ref name="TCGE"/> He has supported autonomy for [[Tibet]], and democracy in [[Hong Kong]].<ref name="TCGE"/> In response to the 2022 [[Russia]]n invasion of [[Ukraine]], Walz issued a condemnation.<ref name="CFRJML"/> 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&nbsp;— on the Ukraine issue, they are on Russia's side."<ref name="TCGE">Chad de Guzman and Koh Ewe (August 7, 2024). [https://time.com/7008637/tim-walz-china-history-visits-relationship-positions-trade-human-rights/ "What to Know About Tim Walz's Relationship With China"]. ''TIME''.</ref>

In Congress, he voted in support of the US government officially recognizing the [[Armenian genocide]].<ref name="OTIFP"/> He also cosponsored the {{w|Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act||,}}<ref>[https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/664/cosponsors "Cosponsors: H.R.664 — 114th Congress (2015-2016)"]. ''Congress.gov''.</ref><ref name="OTIFP"/> about which he commented: "Rolling back relations [with] [[Cuba]] hurts the interests of [Minnesotan] farmers and ranchers."<ref>Tim Walz (June 16, 2017). [https://archive.ph/pK8BX "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.</ref> In 2013, he was "incredibly skeptical" of proposed US military action against [[Syria]] amidst the outbreak of the [[Syrian Civil War]].<ref name="CFRJML">James M. Lindsay (August 7, 2024). [https://www.cfr.org/blog/meet-tim-walz-democratic-vice-presidential-candidate "Meet Tim Walz, Democratic Vice-Presidential Candidate"]. ''Council on Foreign Relations''.</ref><ref name="MPRMZ"/><ref>(August 27, 2013). [https://lee.house.gov/news/articles/anti-war-democrats-speak-up-on-syria "Anti-War Democrats Speak up on Syria"]. ''Politico'', via the office of Barbara Lee.</ref><ref>(September 10, 2013). [https://www.startribune.com/article/223174431 "Walz won't support Syria strike"]. ''The Star Tribune''.</ref><ref name="AML"/> 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."<ref name="MPRMZ">Mark Zdechlik (September 6, 2013). [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2013/09/06/walz-hears-from-constituents-on-syria "Citizens to Rep. Walz: Do not vote to authorize attack on Syria"]. ''MPR News''.</ref> [[Iraq War|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.<ref name="CFRJML"/><ref name="AML"/> He supported the [[Iran]] nuclear deal (the {{w|Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action||)}} in 2015.<ref name="AML"/>

As a congressman, Walz supported US foreign aid to [[Israel]],<ref name="CFRJML"/> and humanitarian aid to [[Palestinian]]s.<ref name="AML">Adam Lucente (August 6, 2024). [https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/08/meet-tim-walz-harris-vp-progressive-favorite-mainstream-views-israel-iran "Meet Tim Walz, Harris' VP: Progressive favorite with mainstream views on Israel, Iran"]. ''Al-Monitor''.</ref> He went to both Israel (where he met [[Netanyahu]]) and Palestine in 2009; he spoke at {{w|AIPAC}} in 2010.<ref name="AML"/> In 2024, Walz responded to the pro-Palestinian {{w|Uncommitted Movement||,}} 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",<ref name="AML"/> 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."<ref name="FPC"/> In March 2024, he called for a ceasefire in the Israel–Gaza war.<ref name="AML"/>

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."<ref name="FPC">Philissa Cramer (August 1, 2024). [https://forward.com/fast-forward/640098/harris-veepstakes-tim-walz-israel-holocaust-antisemitism/ "Harris veepstakes watch: Tim Walz's record on Israel, Holocaust education and antisemitism"]. ''The Forward''.</ref> 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!<ref>Bryan Metzger (August 6, 2024). [https://www.businessinsider.com/tim-walz-kamala-harris-israel-gaza-pro-palestinian-protests-2024-8 "Where Gov. Tim Walz stands on Israel, Gaza, and pro-Palestinian protests"]. ''Business Insider''.</ref> At a campaign stop on August 8, 2024, Walz along with Harris met with Uncommitted Movement leaders in Michigan.<ref>Russ McNamara (August 8, 2024). [https://wdet.org/2024/08/08/harris-and-walz-meet-with-uncommitted-leaders-rally-union-support-during-detroit/ "Harris and Walz meet with ‘uncommitted’ leaders, union members during Detroit campaign stop"]. ''Detroit Public Radio''.</ref>

===Medicine===
[[File:Tim Walz Signs PRO Act.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Governor Walz signs the Protect Reproductive Freedoms Act.]]

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,<ref name="THNWJC"/> and in 2016 blamed the individual market for rising healthcare costs for farmers in his district.<ref name="RCDCR"/> 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.<ref name="FJPC"/>

He advocated for [[Medicare]] drug price negotiation to lower costs.<ref name="FJPC"/><ref>Suzanne Blake (August 6, 2024). [https://www.newsweek.com/what-tim-walz-has-said-about-medicare-1935352 "What Tim Walz Has Said About Medicare"]. ''Newsweek''.</ref> 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.<ref name="RCDCR"/><ref name="CSCJ"/> 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 {{w|Children's Health Insurance Program}} by $35 billion.<ref name="RCDCR"/>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Walz attempted to implement mandatory [[Face masks|masking]] and enforced social distancing as Governor of Minnesota, measures which were challenged in the courts.<ref name="BraschW"/> However, Minnesota achieved lower death tolls than much of the rest of the country.<ref name="MRMN"/> As of 2022–2023, the state ranked well in healthcare across a series of indicators.<ref name="FJPC">Joshua P. Cohen (August 6, 2024). [https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshuacohen/2024/08/06/vp-pick-walzs-healthcare-policies-align-with-harris/ "VP Pick Walz's Healthcare Policies Align With Harris’s Record"]. ''Forbes''.</ref>

[[File:Vice President Harris Visits abortion clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota 2024 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Governor Walz and Vice President Harris visit [[Planned Parenthood]] in Minneapolis, 2024.]]

As governor of Minnesota, Walz signed bills protecting access to both [[abortion]]s and [[transgender]] [[medicine]], as these forms of healthcare both came under increasing political attack.<ref>(April 21, 2023). [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/minnesota-lawmakers-approve-conversion-therapy-ban-protection-gender-affirming-care-abortion-rights-refuge-bill/ "Minnesota lawmakers approve conversion therapy ban, protection for gender-affirming care"]. ''CBS News'' (The Associated Press).</ref><ref name="BraschW"/><ref name="THBM">Brooke Migdon (April 27, 2023). [https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3975501-minnesota-governor-signs-bills-protecting-reproductive-gender-affirming-care-banning-conversion-therapy/ "Minnesota governor signs bills protecting reproductive, gender-affirming care, banning conversion therapy"]. ''The Hill''.</ref> 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".<ref name="MRMN">Max Nesterak, J. Patrick Coolican and Deena Winter (August 7, 2024). [https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/08/07/heres-what-tim-walz-has-done-as-governor-of-minnesota/ "Here's what Tim Walz has done as governor of Minnesota"]. ''Minnesota Reformer''.</ref> Walz supports access to ''in vitro'' fertilization (IVF), a fertility treatment which his own family used to conceive their daughter.<ref>Rebecca Schneid (August 7, 2024). [https://time.com/7008952/tim-walz-ivf-kamala-harris/ "For Tim Walz, the IVF Political Battles Are Personal"]. ''TIME''.</ref><ref name="RCDCR"/>{{efn|After ''[[Roe v. Wade]]'' was overturned in 2022, there was some Republican opposition to IVF access.<ref>Stephen Groves (June 13, 2024). [https://apnews.com/article/senate-ivf-alabama-reproductive-care-460d099153d3faf548e9326ff17dbae6 "Senate Republicans block bill on women's right to IVF as Democrats make push on reproductive care"]. ''The Associated Press''.</ref>}}

In 2023, the state largely banned the discredited<ref name="SAMHSA"/><ref name="THBM"/> [[alternative medicine]] practice of so-called [[conversion therapy]],<ref name="BraschW"/><ref name="THBM"/> which aims to change a person's [[sexual orientation]], [[gender identity]], or [[gender expression]],<ref name="CTBan">(April 2023). [https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/2023/0/Session+Law/Chapter/28/ "Minnesota Session Laws - 2023, Regular Session / CHAPTER 28--H.F.No. 16"]. ''Office of the Revisor of Statutes'' (Minnesota Legislature).</ref><ref name="SAMHSA">(October 2015). [https://store.samhsa.gov/product/ending-conversion-therapy-supporting-and-affirming-lgbtq-youth/sma15-4928 "Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth"]. ''Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration'' (SAMHSA). [https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma15-4928.pdf (PDF.)] Publication ID: SMA15-4928. {{quotebox|The conclusions in this report are based on professional consensus statements arrived at by experts in the field. Specifically, conversion therapy—efforts to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression—is a practice that is not supported by credible evidence and has been disavowed by behavioral health experts and associations. … Interventions aimed at a fixed outcome, such as gender conformity or heterosexual orientation, including those aimed at changing gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation are coercive, can be harmful, and should not be part of behavioral health treatment. (American Psychiatric Association, 2013b; American Psychological Association, 2010; National Association of Social Workers, 2008).}}</ref> and instead results in worse mental health.<ref name="THBM"/> Licensed practitioners were prohibited from attempting to use conversion practices on minors or vulnerable adults.<ref name="CTBan"/> The law also prohibits dishonest [[advertising]] of conversion practices, and denies funding or insurance coverage for the practices.<ref name="CTBan"/> The law was built on an earlier 2021 executive order by Walz.<ref>Steve Karnowski (July 15, 2021). [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/minnesota-governor-restricts-conversion-therapy-for-minors "Minnesota governor restricts ‘conversion therapy’ for minors"]. ''PBS NewsHour'' (The Associated Press).</ref>

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.<ref name="THNWJC">Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi (August 6, 2024). [https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4814551-minnesota-gov-tim-walz-health-care/ "Walz’s record on health care: Progressive with a dash of pragmatism"]. ''The Hill''.</ref><ref name="RCDCR">Ariel Cohen, Lia DeGroot and Sandhya Raman (August 6, 2024). [https://rollcall.com/2024/08/06/walzs-personal-experiences-shape-his-health-policy-outlook/ "Walz's personal experiences shape his health policy outlook"]. ''Roll Call''.</ref> It was also banned for medical debt to impact an individual's overall credit score.<ref name="FJPC"/> The state settled a lawsuit with a big pharmaceutical company (Eli Lilly) to cap insulin prices at $35 per month,<ref name="THNWJC"/><ref>Zoey Becker (February 8, 2024). [https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/eli-lilly-agrees-free-and-lower-priced-insulin-minnesota-after-2018-lawsuit "Eli Lilly agrees to provide free and lower-priced insulin in Minnesota to resolve 2018 lawsuit"]. ''Fierce Pharma''.</ref><ref>Peter Cox (February 7, 2024). [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/02/07/eli-lilly-settles-minnesota-lawsuit-over-insulin-pricing "Eli Lilly settlement caps insulin prices for Minnesotans"]. ''MPR News''.</ref> and Walz also signed legislation to this effect.<ref name="FJPC"/><ref name="RCDCR"/><ref>(April 15, 2020). [https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/?id=1055-428439 "Governor Walz Signs Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act"]. Office of Governor Tim Walz.</ref> Walz pushed Minnesota towards a "[[public option]]" system, expanding eligibility for buying into MinnesotaCare.<ref name="FJPC"/><ref name="MRMN"/>

===Corruption and government===
As of August 2024, Walz's financial disclosures showed he owned no stocks, bonds, or real estate.<ref>Dan Mangan (August 7, 2024). [https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/07/walz-stocks-real-estate-harris-election.html "Harris running mate Gov. Tim Walz owns no stocks, bonds or real estate, disclosure shows"]. ''CNBC''.</ref> 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.<ref name="MRMN"/>

While Walz was Governor of Minnesota, the [[FBI]] issued indictments against "Feeding Our Future",<ref name="MPRM"/> which later led into multiple convictions in relation to the [[fraud]]ulent enterprise.<ref>Aki Nace (June 7, 2024). [https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/verdict-feeding-our-future-fraud/ "Five out of seven defendants in Feeding our Future fraud case found guilty of multiple counts"]. ''CBS News'' (The Associated Press).</ref> Feeding Our Future was fraudulently claiming to have been feeding children, receiving federal money{{efn|Thus this is not related to Walz's state-level free school meals program.}} 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.<ref name="MPRM"/><ref name="CSCJ"/> However, it was reported that the fraud "was uncovered by the Minnesota Department of Education" in any case.<ref>(September 20, 2022). [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/09/20/feds-47-indicted-in-brazen-250m-covid-spending-fraud-centered-in-minnesota "Feds: 48 charged in 'brazen' $250M COVID spending fraud centered in Minnesota"]. ''MPR News''.</ref>

===Immigration===
In 2023, he expanded access to state driver's licenses to [[undocumented immigrant]]s.<ref name="BraschW"/> Walz also supports citizenship for "DREAMers", who are so called in relation to the {{w|DREAM Act||.}}<ref name="BraschW"/>

===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 neutrality|carbon-free]] sources by 2040.<ref name="BINS"/> 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]].<ref name="BINS"/><ref name="MRMN"/> At times, however, the state government under Walz was criticized by local environmental groups for sluggishness to enforce regulations against carbon polluters,<ref>Madison McVan (June 10, 2024). [https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/environmental-groups-call-for-hearings-over-mpca-issues/ "Environmental groups call for hearings over MPCA issues"]. ''Minnesota Reformer''.</ref> defining woody [[biomass]] as "carbon-free" energy,<ref name="MRMN"/><ref>Madison McVan (July 23, 2024). [https://minnesotareformer.com/2024/07/23/is-burning-wood-or-trash-carbon-free-the-utilities-want-you-to-think-so/ "Is burning wood or trash 'carbon free'? The utilities want you to think so"]. ''Minnesota Reformer''.</ref> and not using an executive order to halt reconstruction of a pipeline (subject of the {{w|Stop Line 3 protests||).}}<ref name="MRMN"/>

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.<ref name="EatAMJS"/><ref>(July 23, 2024). [https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/?id=1055-638440 "Governor Walz Announces $200 Million for Climate-Smart Food Systems in Minnesota"]. Office of Governor Tim Walz.</ref> Minnesota also passed a law under Walz to eliminate nonessential "{{w|per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances||"}} (PFAS), a form of so-called "forever chemicals".<ref name="BINS"/><ref>Steve Karnowski (May 11, 2023). [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/minnesota-poised-to-ban-non-essential-uses-of-pfas-or-forever-chemicals "Minnesota poised to ban non-essential uses of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals'"]. ''PBS NewsHour'' (The Associated Press).</ref>

==External links==
*[https://www.ontheissues.org/Tim_Walz.htm Tim Walz], profile at ''On the Issues''

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

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