2022 Minnesota Governor Voters Guide
Scott Jensen (R) vs Tim Walz (D)
The Candidates
Ban. In March 2022 said, if elected governor, “I would try to ban abortion…There is no reason for us to be having abortions.” In July 2022 said, would allow exceptions for rape and incest, as well as endangering mother’s health.
No. “We can’t let our wants undercut and neuter our economy.” “With climate, we need to be careful…We’ve used this term ‘follow the science’ ad nauseam over the last couple of years…I think there’s climate change; it’s gradual, it’s slow.” Would “do infrastructure” that “can stand up to the heavy rains and the floods.”
Yes. Proposed for Minnesota to produce 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040. “Our Administration will work with private, non-profit, and government partners and Minnesotans to address climate change while creating jobs across the state.”
Proposes “Parents’ Bill of Rights” allowing parents to review curriculum and materials. “When we do things like critical race theory or hyper-sexualize our kids” with instruction that isn’t age appropriate “we’re doing them no favors.”
No. When asked about putting more or less money into public schools, said “Less money, I think it’s a black hole.”
Yes. His 2022 budget adds 2% to the general education formula, with investments in reading proficiency, free meals, & teacher recruitment & mentoring. “We’re proposing historic investments in schools.”
Yes. Would convert low-performing public schools to charter or private schools and would allow students to use public funds to pay for private school tuition or homeschooling.
No. Opposes publicly funded voucher plans and argues they would “decimate” public schools. Says he’s ”not going to defund our public schools.”
No. As to whether Biden won the electoral college vote, said “I don’t know.” Said that in Arizona dead people voted in 2020 election.
Loosen. Would roll back the Minnesota clean car rule requiring the auto industry to sell more hybrid and electric cars and would end the state moratorium on nuclear power.
Unclear. Environmental policy focuses primarily on infrastructure and remediation projects, along with community programs and grants, voluntary programs, and enforcing existing regulations.
Less. Opposes universal background checks and red flag laws. Supports a Stand Your Ground law for Minnesota.
No. Has supported competition in “the healthcare field by allowing for-profit insurance companies to operate in Minnesota.” “Single payer healthcare will not solve the health care problems in Minnesota and will damage patient-doctor relationships.” Compared COVID public health measures to the rise of Nazism.
Yes. His supplemental budget earmarks $2.5 billion for health and safety initiatives including $145.7 million to create a MinnesotaCare buy-in program to expand healthcare access. Expanded hospital funding to deal with the Omicron COVID wave.
Said “taking in immigrants without proper resources would be “undercutting so much of Minnesota’s fabric of life.” Says states aren’t mandated to accept federal orders to resettle immigrants. No position found on DACA.
Supports a path to citizenship for DACA Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders. Signed into law a bill protecting immigrant youth, ensuring they receive necessary resources.
Likely limit. Voted against banning conversion therapy but was “nauseated” by his vote. ”Why are we telling elementary kids that they get to choose their gender?” Repeated the internet rumor that some schools have litter boxes for kids who identify as “furries.”
Legal. Coauthored a bill to legalize recreational marijuana use.
Legal. Called on lawmakers to legalize recreational marijuana use in Minnesota. Proposed a budget with $25 million set aside to create the new “Cannabis Management Office.”
No position found.
Raise. As of 2018 supported a $15 minimum wage. Signed an order raising the minimum for personal care assistant workers to $15.25.
Yes. Supports eliminating state income tax liability on federal student loan forgiveness.
Less. As part of an effort toward “shrinking the government,” would eliminate the state income tax. Since that tax is progressive, the change would benefit the wealthiest Minnesotans.
We have space to include only candidates polling 15% or more, but check out others including Hugh McTavish (IPM) and Steve Patterson (G-LC).
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