On October 1, 2024, the nation saw Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance debate for the vice presidential election. With Minnesota in the spotlight during this election, Walz highlighted some of his prime accomplishments as governor. Here is how some of these key accomplishments are affecting Minnesotans.
Paid Leave
Through the work of Walz and Minnesota Democratic legislation, Minnesota became one of the few states in the country to have a government-issued program. But it won't take effect until 2026.
More information - https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/05/25/paid-leave-is-now-minnesota-law-what-you-need-to-know
Health Care State
In 2024, Minnesota was ranked first in the nation for the Best Healthcare Systems by WalletHub. Based on access, cost, and outcomes ranking, Minnesota rose to the top with the best overall score, giving MN the “sixth-best public hospital system in the country” and the “fifth-highest life expectancy.” Through his policies, Governor Walz established the importance of affordable healthcare.
More information - https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-best-health-care/23457
Abortion Laws
Governor Walz demonstrated his advocacy for accessible health care for women through his policies on abortion regulation. After the overturn of Roe v Wade, a landmark Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in the United States, Walz signed a bill that guaranteed abortion rights and other gender-affirming care. Minnesota is the only state in the Midwest to allow abortion in all stages without the need for guardian approval. Along with that, Walz banned Conversion Therapy in the state of Minnesota.
More information - https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/06/22/roes-end-brought-big-change-to-minnesota-and-its-neighbors
Image: Glen Stubbe, Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS
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