Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s Reforms: A Progressive Approach Aligning with International Standards

Minnesota’s Governor Takes Bold Steps: A Look at Tim Walz’s Reforms

Here in Minneapolis, the conversation about public policies has recently heated up with Governor Tim Walz stepping into the spotlight. Following his selection as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Kamala Harris, Walz faced a barrage of accusations from President Trump’s allies, labeling him a “dangerously liberal extremist.” But hold on a second—when you take a closer look at Walz’s policies through an international lens, what might seem extreme in the U.S. looks rather typical compared to many developed nations.

School Meals: Fueling Young Minds

Walz’s initiative to provide free breakfast and lunch to all schoolchildren, regardless of family income, is a game-changer. “What a monster! Kids are eating and having full bellies so they can go learn,” he quipped when asked about this reform. With this move, Minnesota joins just a handful of states offering free meals, echoing practices of countries like Sweden and Finland, where every child enjoys free lunches as a basic right. And let’s not forget places like India, feeding over 100 million kids daily. Studies have shown that providing meals improves attendance, behavior, and even grades.

Climate Initiatives: A Greener Minnesota

In 2023, Walz signed legislation committing Minnesota to generate all of its electricity from clean sources by 2040. This is ambitious, sure, but it’s not out of the ordinary globally. Countries like Finland aim to reach net-zero emissions even sooner, by 2035. In December, almost 200 countries at the “Cop28” climate summit agreed on the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Walz’s efforts may make him appear radical at home, but on the global stage, they are merely keeping pace.

Household Support: A Boost for Families

Walz also introduced a robust child tax credit program designed for low-income families in Minnesota, offering $1,750 per child. This is particularly vital since it fills a gap left by a previous federal program that expired. Interestingly, the OECD found that such family benefit programs are common in most developed nations. The U.S. may not be as favorable to families, ranking near the bottom for family support. Meanwhile, countries like France offer paid leave until children are three years old, showing that support for families is a norm abroad.

Gun Safety: A Balanced Approach

Wearing a camo hat and identifying as a gun owner, Walz signed measures requiring background checks for private handgun sales. These new laws seem strict from an American viewpoint, but elsewhere, this is standard practice. In Canada, buyers must have a license and undergo training, while the UK has comprehensive gun control laws prohibiting many military-style firearms. The U.S. stands out, holding an exceptionally high rate of civilian gun ownership compared to other rich countries.

Medical Leave: A Long Overdue Change

With the passage of House File 2, Minnesotans can now access up to 20 weeks of paid medical leave. For a nation as wealthy as the U.S., it’s astonishing to note that this is a rarity. When compared to 37 out of 38 OECD countries offering similar benefits, the U.S. is an outlier without any mandated paid leave for families caring for newborns or dealing with health issues.

Voting Rights: A Step Toward Inclusion

Walz’s decision to restore voting rights to over 50,000 felons might raise eyebrows, but looking outward, this is not as radical as it may sound. According to Human Rights Watch, many other nations allow people with criminal records to vote without just cause for disenfranchisement. In fact, millions of Americans face restrictions purely due to felony convictions, which is quite uncommon globally.

Conclusion: Minnesota or Extreme?

So, while the narrative from Trump’s camp brands Walz’s policies as dangerously liberal, it’s clear when you peer beyond our borders that these reforms align with basic public welfare provisions seen in many developed countries. In the grand scope of things, it might just be that it’s Walz, not his critics, who’s pursuing a sensible approach to governance that benefits everyday Minnesotans.