The 41st Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, has seen some big moves in office since being sworn in back in January 2019. A former teacher and member of the military, Walz has been regarded as one of the hard workers who went out of his way to actualize progressive policies seeking to make the lives of Minnesotans better. The tenure in this office for him has been dominated by issues of social equity, education, and environmental sustainability—key things the Democratic platform is supposed to echo. Here are key things he has done so far as governor.
Universal free school meals
In March 2023, Walz signed a bill into law by which every K-12 student in Minnesota will be provided a free breakfast and lunch, in a bid to respond to escalating food insecurity created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is good for the pocketbooks of families and ensures students can focus on learning rather than on empty stomachs. The program, which was initially projected to cost $388 million, has seen its expenses rise, but Walz has continued to back it as a worthwhile investment for the young people of Minnesota in the future.
Legalization of recreational marijuana
In May 2023, Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational cannabis, a move embodying the state’s evolving attitudes towards drug policies. The legislation permits adults 21 years and above to possess marijuana and grow eight plants at a time. Importantly, the statute also included the expungement of minor marijuana convictions, proper in regard to righting the wrongs of drug enforcement policies that disproportionately affected communities of color. This law has placed Minnesota in a position of pioneering progressive changes in the scope of change in drug policies.
Extension of voting rights
Walz has been an aggressive defender of voting rights and signed legislation in March 2023, restoring the voting rights of more than 50,000 felons who served their sentences. This bill would underline the spotlight on societal re-entry and make sure that their voices are reflected in the democratic process. He has continued wrestling with voting laws to forestall misinformation that could mislead people and to prevent election interference, both key in this era of politics.
Paid family and medical leave
In May 2023, Walz signed a state-run paid family and medical leave program into law, saying he would fund it with a modest payroll tax on employers. That measure would provide workers with that support in specific life situations, such as birth or severe health conditions. Proponents are touting the legislation as another major step toward workplace equity, but critics have argued that the additional cost could fall hard on small businesses.
Environmental efforts
Walz has put Minnesota on the path to 100% clean electricity by the year 2040. He has been taking on major investments in renewable energy and reducing carbon pollution, in line with the federal approach in the fight against climate change. All this is in the context of an ambitious policy that commits billions of dollars to improve the infrastructure in the state of $1.3 billion in transportation legislation that is in line with moving forward with the state’s climate strategies and with advancing sound and sustainable practices
Measures on gun violence
With increasing gun violence, Walz has taken measures for expanding background checks during the purchase of guns. Such legislation reflects a take-charge attitude to enhanced public safety without crossing the thin line into threats against the rights of responsible gun owners. His administration has been behind mental health and community safety programs designed to get at the roots of violence.
Economic growth and tax cuts
Among Walz’s economic policies was the reduction of middle-class taxes and investments in small businesses. His governorship was aimed toward building an economy strong for everyone in Minnesota, including minority communities. Balancing the budget without tipping the scales on education and health by increasing their funding, Walz demonstrated a fiscal responsibility that went hand in hand with his progressive values.
For Governor Tim Walz, the pinnacle of what he was able to accomplish in his term was simply a cavalcade of progressive successes designed to leave behind citizens better than when he came into office. This spans from universal free school meals and legalizing recreational marijuana to expanding voting rights; Walz positioned Minnesota to be a vanguard of progressive governance. As he takes his place alongside Kamala Harris on the national stage, the much-vaunted record is likely to make all the difference in shaping the Democratic platform and persuading voters from one corner of the country to the other.
