Tim Walz in Gubernatorial campaign websites
On Civil Rights:
No discrimination because of who they love
According to current law, states may decide whether or not they will recognize or perform same-sex marriages. Many states have passed constitutional amendments defining marriage as between one man and one woman, while others allow same-sex marriages or
civil unions. As you may know, the Supreme Court recently declared Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. Section 3 used specific language to ensure that only heterosexual couples would receive recognition from the federal
government. The federal government will now recognize same-sex marriages from states that have already passed legislation legalizing these marriages.
I am a strong supporter of marriage equality and legislation that provides civil rights protections for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. No one should be discriminated against because of who they love.
Source: 2018 MN gubernatorial campaign website walz.house.gov
May 2, 2017
On Civil Rights:
Freedom from discrimination is elemental concept of nation
Possibly the most elemental concept of our nation is that of equal protection under the law and freedom from discrimination. The civil rights movement of the 1950's and 60's brought about profound change and made our nation a better, more just place.
Today, while our causes may have expanded, the fight continues. As a nation, we must always strive to protect civil rights and as long as I remain in Congress, I will work tirelessly to do just that.
Source: 2018 MN gubernatorial campaign website walz.house.gov
May 2, 2017
On Education:
Recognized as the 2003 Minnesota Teacher of Excellence
After high school, Tim accepted a temporary teaching position at the Native American Reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. It was this experience that convinced Tim to follow his father's lead. "My father was a teacher--I learned early on that the
opportunity to help students learn and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding."Harvard University offered Tim an opportunity to gain a new perspective on global education by teaching in the People's Republic of China in 1989-90, where he joined
of one of the first government-approved groups of American teachers to work in Chinese high schools.
Following his return to Nebraska in 1990, Tim developed a program of cooperation between American and Chinese students. He created a small business--
Educational Travel Adventures, Inc.--through which he led annual educational trips to China for American high school students. Tim's inspiring approach to teaching gained him recognition as the 2003 Minnesota Teacher of Excellence.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website WalzForGovernor.org
May 2, 2017
On Education:
Student Non-Discrimination Act: address anti-gay bullying
As a former teacher at Mankato West High School, I know that bullying is a serious problem in our schools and steps must be taken to eliminate it. No student deserves to feel ashamed or embarrassed about who they are and we must ensure that our
children attend schools where they can concentrate on learning without being teased or harassed by others.I strongly support the prevention of bullying and the work many organizations do to eliminate it.
I have supported legislation such as H.R. 1652, the Student Non-Discrimination Act, which would prevent any school program that receives federal funding from discriminating against students based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
I am a co-sponsor of this legislation because I feel every student deserves to learn in a safe environment.
Source: 2018 MN gubernatorial campaign website walz.house.gov
May 2, 2017
On Homeland Security:
Enlisted in Army National Guard at 17; served for 24 years
Tim's parents, Jim and Darlene, instilled in him the values that continue to guide his commitment to the common good and selfless service. Summers of farming with his family reinforced these lessons.Tim's dedication to public service began soon after
his graduation from Butte (Nebraska) High School with his 24 classmates. At the age of 17, Tim enlisted in the Army National Guard. Tim's leadership was recognized: in 1989, he was name Nebraska Citizen-Soldier of the Year.
"I loved growing up in a
small town in rural Nebraska. Small-town life and working on family farms each summer taught me fundamental lessons about the importance of family and the value of hard work. I had wonderful public school teachers, great neighbors, and loving parents."
Upon his 1990 return from teaching in China, Tim served full time in the Army National Guard [for the next 24 years]. He joined his battalion overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website WalzForGovernor.org
May 2, 2017
On Homeland Security:
Suicide prevention programs & mental health for veterans
Tim's bill to help reduce the number of veteran suicides passed unanimously and was signed by President Obama. The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act helps make current VA suicide prevention programs more effective by creating
incentives to attract more psychiatrists to the VA, creating a central website to better connect veterans with VA mental health services, and improving connections & coordination between the VA & non-profit mental health organizations providing services.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website WalzForGovernor.org
May 2, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Got political when students were turned away from Bush event
To be honest, I did not pay a lot of attention to politics. Things changed in 2004. Former President George Bush came to speak in a Mankato quarry. I accompanied two students who wanted to hear the speech. When we arrived, one of my students was turned
away because of a John Kerry sticker on his wallet. We were ordered to board a bus to take us away from the quarry. Though I was allowed to stay--after offensive questioning by a campaigner--the boys were told to leave.
This was a teachable moment for them and for me. I decided that, if a command sergeant major could be harassed for wishing to hear his commander-in-chief, the political process was deeply broken.
That night, I became committed to working to help repair our nation's political system.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website WalzForGovernor.org
May 2, 2017
On Technology:
Safeguard our online activity from public scrutiny
As technology evolves we must continue to safeguard our online activity from public scrutiny and private exploitation. As a proponent of civil rights, I understand the strong argument made for stronger privacy laws.We must also remain vigilant to
protect our nation from terrorists and those who wish to do us harm. Cyber security is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation.
An effective response to cyber-attacks will require coordination among intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and private owners of critical cyber infrastructure.
However, it is also imperative that we not sacrifice citizens' privacy and civil liberties. I will continue to fight for measures that allow us to find the proper balance between national security and personal privacy.
Source: 2018 MN gubernatorial campaign website walz.house.gov
May 2, 2017
On War & Peace:
Served overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
Upon his 1990 return from teaching in China, Tim served full time in the Army National Guard. He joined his battalion overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After 24 years in the Army National Guard, Command Sergeant Major Walz retired from
the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion in 2005. When he retired, Tim was the highest-ranking enlisted National Guard soldier in southern Minnesota. "When I enlisted in the National Guard at the age of 17,
I never imagined that I would serve for 24 years. I knew that I was ready to accept the responsibility that comes with serving our country. Over the years,
I discovered that I had the capacity to lead--a duty that I strive to fulfill each and every day. The honor of serving alongside my neighbors in southern Minnesota was a privilege."
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website WalzForGovernor.org
May 2, 2017
On Jobs:
Close the wage gap that still exists between women and men
Press Release Apr 14, 2015 ; "Walz Calls for Passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act on Equal Pay Day: Women in Minnesota Earn Only 80 Cents for Every Dollar Earned by Men": As we mark Equal Pay Day on April 14, Rep. Walz stated that more needs to be done
to close the wage gap that still exists between women and men--including passage of the critical Paycheck Fairness Act. Equal Pay Day acknowledges that it took an additional three-plus months into 2015 for women's wages to finally catch up to wages
earned by men in 2014.Press Release Apr 8, 2014,"Walz Calls for Passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act on Equal Pay Day: Women in Southern Minnesota Earn Only 78 Cents for Every Dollar Earned by Men":
As we mark Equal Pay Day on April 8, Rep. Walz stated that more needs to be done to close the wage gap that still exists between women and men--including passage of the critical Paycheck Fairness Act.
Source: 2018 MN gubernatorial campaign website walz.house.gov
Apr 14, 2015
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021