Kamala Harris has finally chosen her running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Harris chose Governor Tim Walz, who is practically a unheard of in this country. Governor Tim Walz has been leading Minnesota since January 2019, and his time in office has been marked by a number of controversial decisions. Many people have criticized his policies and actions, believing they have negatively impacted the state.
So, what should you know about Gov. Tim Walz? Let’s take a look at his time as Governor of Minnesota.
Pandemic Response: Too Strict
When the pandemic hit, Governor Walz put in place very strict rules to control the spread of the virus. He ordered businesses to close and people to stay at home. These lockdowns led to many small businesses closing permanently and thousands of people losing their jobs. He also mandated mask-wearing in public, which many people saw as an overreach of government power.
Additionally, Walz set up a “snitching program” where people could call in to report others who were violating the stay-at-home orders. This program was widely criticized as authoritarian and invasive, encouraging neighbors to report on each other.
Tax Increases: Higher Taxes
Governor Walz has supported increasing taxes, particularly on higher income earners, to fund state programs. These tax hikes hurt the economy, driving businesses and wealthy individuals out of the state and making it harder for everyone to prosper.
Environmental Policies: Too Many Rules
Walz has ambitious goals for Minnesota to use only clean energy by 2050. He promotes renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. While this is praised by some, many believe that it is unrealistic and harmful to traditional energy industries like oil and gas. They also think the regulations required to meet these goals place too much of a burden on businesses.
Police and Criminal Justice Reforms: Too Soft?
Following the death of George Floyd, Walz signed new laws aimed at police accountability. These included bans on chokeholds and requirements for more de-escalation training. While some see these reforms as necessary, many believe they make it harder for police to do their jobs and protect the public. They also think Walz was too lenient on protesters, especially when some protests turned into riots with significant property damage.
Education Policies: More Spending, Same Problems
Governor Walz has increased funding for public schools and supported teachers’ unions. While he believes this will improve education, Republicans argue that simply spending more money isn’t enough. They advocate for more school choice options like charter schools and believe schools should be held accountable for their performance.
Gun Control: More Restrictions
Walz supports stricter gun laws, including more background checks and red flag laws, which allow authorities to confiscate guns from individuals deemed dangerous. Many Republicans oppose these measures, viewing them as infringements on Second Amendment rights and individual freedoms.
Healthcare: Bigger Government Role
Walz wants the government to play a larger role in healthcare by expanding Medicaid and introducing a public option. Republicans argue that increased government involvement will make healthcare more expensive and less efficient. They prefer market-based solutions that encourage competition and innovation.
Social Policies: Too Progressive
Walz’s support for progressive social policies, including LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access, has been divisive. These stances often clash with conservative values, creating further rifts in an already polarized political landscape. His progressive agenda is seen by many as pushing Minnesota too far left, alienating moderate and conservative constituents.
Here in Minnesota we take care of our friends and neighbors. That’s why we’re fighting to ensure everyone has access to quality health care and education, and protecting reproductive rights. pic.twitter.com/YK6gcPryQD
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) September 3, 2022
Handling of Civil Unrest: Weak Response
After George Floyd’s death, Minnesota experienced widespread protests and riots. Walz’s response was criticized as slow and inadequate. Many believe he should have acted more quickly and strongly to prevent the destruction of property and ensure public safety. If he had, perhaps the city of Minneapolis and other nearby cities would not have been hit with $500 million in damages.
This is Tim Walz’s legacy as Governor of Minnesota. He allowed Minneapolis to burn.
He’s the perfect running mate for Kamala Harris, who fundraised for the Minnesota Freedom Fund. Which released violent criminals back onto our streets.
Now he wants to be VP. pic.twitter.com/5bHtchvSkj
— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) August 6, 2024
Changing the State Flag: Controversial Decision
In a highly controversial move, Governor Walz changed the Minnesota state flag to resemble that of Somalia. This decision was met with significant backlash, with critics arguing it disrespected Minnesota’s history and identity. Many saw it as an unnecessary and divisive action that did not reflect the will of the people.
Tim Walz is the governor who just changed the Minnessotta flag so it could resemble the Somalian flag.
He wants to make sure the Muslim migrants feel at home and welcome! pic.twitter.com/XwWCTLcztJ
— Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) August 6, 2024
Governor Tim Walz’s time in office has been marked by numerous controversial decisions and policies. His strict pandemic measures, tax increases, environmental regulations, police reforms, education spending, gun control laws, healthcare policies, progressive social stances, handling of civil unrest, and the state flag change have all drawn significant criticism. Now imagine what he’ll try to do if he’s elected as Vice President.
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