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Tim Walz on Families & ChildrenDemocrat |
WALZ: I wished in this country we wouldn't have to do this. I spoke about our infertility issues 'cause it's hell, and families know this. I spoke about the treatments that were available to us that--that had those beautiful children there. That's quite a contrast in folks that are trying to take those rights away from us.
I won't apologize for speaking passionately, whether it's guns in schools or protection of reproductive rights. The contrast could not be clearer between what we're running against. The vice president's position on this has been clear. And I think most Americans get it, if you've been through that. I don't think they're cutting hairs on IVF or IUI [in-vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination]. I think what they're cutting hairs on is an abortion ban and the ability to be able to deny families the chance to have a beautiful child.
"This year, we invested directly in the financial security and wellbeing of families across the state through our nation-leading Child Tax Credit," said Governor Walz. "I'm grateful that nearly 440,000 children have already benefited. Minnesota is setting an example for the nation of how to lift families up, cut child poverty, and build a brighter future for Minnesotans."
About Minnesota's Child Tax Credit: Taxpayers may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. This is a refundable credit, meaning they can receive a refund even if they do not owe tax.
Today race, zip code, and income are too often determinants of opportunity. Our systems have not led to equitable outcomes for our children--especially our children of color. For these reasons, I order that:
Jeff Johnson (R): No. But supports "contractual unions" for hospital visitation, inheritance or end-of-life decisions.
Tim Walz (D): Yes. Has campaigned for "full marriage equality" since 2005.
Introduction by co-sponsor Sen. Kay Hagan (D,NC):
We have a serious responsibility to ensure that women and families are protected. The rates of violence and abuse in our country are astounding and totally unacceptable: domestic violence affects more than 12 million people each year. In my home state, 73 women and children are killed on average every year because of domestic violence.
Since 1994, the STOP Program has provided grants for services, training, officers, and prosecutors, and has transformed our criminal justice system and victim support services. And this bill includes the bipartisan SAFER Act, which helps fund audits of untested DNA evidence and reduces this backlog of rape kits. I ask you: What other victims in America have to identify the attacker before authorities will take action? None.Introduction by Sen. Chuck Grassley(R,IA):
I urge my Republican colleagues, as I will do, to support the motion to proceed.
There has long been bipartisan support for the Violence Against Women Act. Too many women are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. There is overwhelming bipartisan support for 98% of what is contained in S. 47. [Since our negative vote last session], controversial provisions have been removed. The key stumbling block to enacting a bill at this time is the provision concerning Indian tribal courts. Negotiations are continuing, and compromises would allow the bill to pass with overwhelming bipartisan support. Introduction by Sen. Pat Leahy (D,VT):
Our bill will allow services to get to those in the LGBT community who have had trouble accessing services in the past. The rates of domestic and sexual violence in these communities are equal to or greater than those of the general population. We also have key improvements for immigrant victims of domestic and sexual violence.