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By Mackala Krichbaum, KrichbaumM@Findlay.edu
Tim Walz (D) is the current governor of Minnesota and is up for Vice President in the 2024 election under Kamala Harris (D).
Governor Walz was born in Nebraska, and upon his high school graduation he enlisted in the Army National Guard. He retired 24 years later as a Command Sergent Major.
Governor Walz has a Social Science degree from Chadron State College which he earned in 1989.
Governor Walz took a one-year contract teaching in China.
In 1994 Walz married Gwen and moved from Nebraska to Minnesota where they reside today.
Governor Walz was a football coach at Mankato West High School where he led the school to its first state championship victory.
Governor Walz came into the position of governor after an upset election.
Governor Walz has voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act and encouraged higher minimum wage as well as reducing carbon emissions.
Governor Walz voted to continue to fund the Iraq and Afghanistan wars while supporting tighter regulations for the refugees entering the United States.
Governor Walz spoke against assault weapons being banned after the Parkland school shooting. He signed a bill in which if someone is at high risk of harming themselves an official or family member can remove the weapons.
Governor Walz believes that abortion needs to be protected as it is healthcare. He has signed a state (Minnesota) legislature to establish protections for abortion and abortion rights.
Governor Walz signed a bill that allows patients from other states the right to abortion care and provides protection to the medical staff who provide these procedures. He also signed a bill that protects people in gender-affirming healthcare.
Governor Walz works towards climate change and changing actions to become more environmentally friendly. Legislation was signed to encourage renewable energy facilities.
Governor Walz leans towards helping undocumented migrants as he has previously signed bills that allow for driver’s licenses, free tuition as well as health insurance coverage for all.
Governor Walz signed the Local Jobs and Projects Plan which allowed for support of affordable housing. Minnesota residents earned tax cuts while the large earners and corporations had their taxes raised. Walz also provided rebates for low and middle-income families.
Governor Walz signed a bill that allows paid medical and family leave, which can be used for family care for themselves. Walz supports free meals for school children and higher education for low-income students.
