A look at Walz’s progressive policies as Minnesota’s governor

Where the Biden administration has struggled, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has succeeded.

Where the Biden administration has struggled, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has succeeded. The former schoolteacher turned politician whom Vice President Kamala Harris picked as her running mate in the 2024 presidential race has been able to enact many of the progressive policies President Joe Biden and Harris pitched but failed to get through Congress. Aided by a Democratic sweep of the state legislature, Walz last year signed a landmark budget that established a generous child tax credit, created a paid family and medical leave program and made college tuition free for certain students, among other measures. “We’re pretty sure it’s going to mean a fairer, more inclusive, better and more prosperous Minnesota,” he said upon signing the budget. The One Minnesota Budget built upon the left-leaning policies that Walz established in the state, including protecting abortion rights and gender-affirming care, investing in affordable housing and instituting clean energy measures. Republicans, however, have critiqued Walz’s efforts, which entail an increase in state spending, as unsustainable and as increasing the burden on families and businesses.