Walz's Healthcare Agenda in Minn. Called 'Extreme'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's presence on the Democrats' national ticket has thrust healthcare among the top issues in the presidential campaign.

"I have three kids, and healthcare gets expensive," Tracy Mitchell, from Ham Lake, Minnesota, and a director of program operations for a mental healthcare clinic, told CBS News. "The way he handled COVID, and in terms of healthcare, I think he is too extreme."

Republicans say the Harris-Walz ticket is extreme on healthcare. But Democrats insist Walz's efforts to lower drug costs and preserve abortion access are positions that appeal to battleground voters.

Walz implemented required COVID testing for state employees, signed legislation codifying abortion rights, has backed recreational marijuana legalization, and signed a bill to expand public health coverage to some immigrants lacking legal residency.

"Under Gov. Walz, we saw one of the most radical, far-left agendas in the country," Mark Johnson, Minnesota state Senate GOP leader, said in a statement, CBS News reported.

"While Americans are searching for unity, Walz has a record of implementing extreme policies that only divide us further. He has put our state on a path to government-run healthcare and championed restrictive healthcare mandates that limit Minnesotans' access to life-saving care."

Minnesota's Democrats were ecstatic with Walz being named the party's vice-presidential choice. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007-19 and is in his second term as governor.

"We're celebrating here at the cabin," Democrat Minnesota state Rep. Liz Reyer said, The Guardian reported. "It feels really important and like a huge opportunity. I share with Gov. Walz the bedrock belief that healthcare is a human right. So, to me – yeah, let's go."

Reyer helped Walz pass a medical debt collection reform bill in 2023.

As for former President Donald Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance's approach to healthcare, the Republican platform says: "Healthcare and prescription drug costs are out of control. Republicans will increase Transparency, promote Choice and Competition, and expand access to new Affordable Healthcare and prescription drug options.

"We will protect Medicare, and ensure Seniors receive the care they need without being burdened by excessive costs."

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