Kamala Harris Makes History with VP Pick Tim Walz
Kamala Harris is not only the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to be the Democratic presidential nominee but has also made a historic choice in her vice presidential pick – Gov. Tim Walz. This decision not only adds to the significance of her campaign but also brings a wealth of experience in education policy to the table.
Walz, the Minnesota governor and a former schoolteacher, has become the first educator in 50 years to land a spot on a major party’s presidential ticket. His work in improving K-12 education in Minnesota, with a focus on equity and support for underserved communities, has garnered much praise and attention.
One of Walz’s remarkable achievements has been the substantial increase in funding for public education. The $20 billion education funding bill signed by him in May 2019 boosted public school funding by $543 million and increased per-pupil state aid to public school districts by 2% each year of the two-year budget. This initiative aimed to reduce disparities and improve resources in schools serving low-income and predominantly Black communities.
Increased Education Funding
“This is only the beginning. We won’t stop until every child in Minnesota receives a high-quality education, regardless of their race or ZIP code.”
In the following year, Walz signed another transformative education budget into law, increasing spending for K-12 schools by $2.3 billion. These efforts have gone a long way in bridging resource gaps that have hindered the academic success of Black students for far too long.
Universal School Meals Bill
“If you’re looking for good news, this was certainly the place to be. I’m honored, and I do think this is one piece of that puzzle in reducing both childhood poverty and hunger insecurity.”
In 2023, Walz signed Minnesota’s universal school meals bill, guaranteeing that all students in the state receive free breakfast and lunch at school, irrespective of their family’s income level. This move significantly benefits Black students and ensures they have access to nutritious meals to support their academic performance.
Focus On Early Childhood Education
“By investing in key programs, this legislation takes us another step closer to making Minnesota the best state for kids.”
Walz’s administration expanded funding for pre-kindergarten programs in 2019, providing an additional $46 million over two years to fund pre-K programs in communities with the highest needs. This focus on early childhood education lays a strong foundation for academic success and social development in Black children.
Mental Health Package Allocation
“Everyone deserves access to the mental health care that fits their needs when they need it.”
In 2022, Walz signed a mental health package bill to enhance mental health services across Minnesota, particularly for K-12 children experiencing mental health crises. These investments have helped improve access to mental health care for Black students, reducing barriers to learning and supporting their overall well-being.
The Potential Long-Term Impact
Walz’s leadership in enacting education policies has shown promising results, as seen in the positive impact of Minnesota’s Child Tax Credit on reducing childhood poverty. His dedication to improving the well-being of children and families bodes well for his future role in national education policies.
It is evident that Walz’s commitment to education reform and equity has had a significant positive impact on Black students in Minnesota. As he transitions into a potential national role, his background as a teacher and governor focused on uplifting underserved communities could pave the way for substantial progress in education policies at a broader level.
This article was written by Quintessa Williams for Word In Black