FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2024
CONTACT: Kayla Gaines; kgaines@greennewdealnetwork.org; (202) 709-2762
Green New Deal Network Celebrates Walz’s Tested Leadership Ahead of VP Debate
Washington D.C. – The Green New Deal Network highlighted the visionary and creative solutions that Governor Tim Walz brought to Minnesota and will bring to the White House.
In 2021-2023, the Network pumped 100s of thousands of dollars into local and state organizing in Minnesota, an all-in effort that contributed to the passage of transformative climate, transportation, and food policy.
During “veepstakes,” recognizing an opportunity to unite the party, GNDN leaders were part of a grassroots effort to boost Governor Walz’s profile on social media, and highlight the popularity of his policy wins, reaching over 2.4 million people.
“Governor Tim Walz has filled every lunch tray in Minnesota with food, built new trains, and invested boldly in renewable energy – hustling with unions, organizers, and communities has made him the most effective governor in the country,” said Saul Levin, Campaigns and Political Director of the Green New Deal Network. “In contrast, J.D. Vance is an extremist hack who attacks women, immigrants, and science to distract from his own bizarre and boring ideas. As a Midwesterner, I could not be more proud to see Walz on the ticket.”
A recent poll shows likely voters hold Walz in higher regard than Vance as the public become familiar with both candidates. In Minnesota, Gov. Walz signed historic investments for Minnesotans that focused on economic opportunity and workforce development, protecting the environment, and instilling racial justice, including;
- Requiring all of Minnesota’s utilities to be carbon-free by 2040
- Passing more than 40 climate initiatives
- Enacted a transformative, transportation agenda, including paying for the new Borealis Amtrak line, funding bus rapid transit, signing e-bike tax credits, and passing the best Green transpo law in US
- Signed a bill to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students
- Increasing worker protections that established paid leave and sick days
- Providing free college for students with a family income under $80,000.
- Legalizing adult-use cannabis and expunging nonviolent cannabis convictions.
About the Green New Deal Network:
The Green New Deal Network serves as the central hub for the GND movement, uniting a growing coalition of national groups across various sectors. Over the past four years, the network has built a strong state infrastructure comprising over 600 organizations and millions of members across 23 states. The coalition drives campaigns for transformative investments in climate, care, jobs, and justice. Following the successful advocacy for the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 and 2022, the network shifted its focus to ensuring these laws deliver tangible benefits to communities most affected by the climate crisis. In 2023, they leveraged these new laws to help pass 13 major state-level climate laws, and are now working on shaping climate policy for the next Congress and President.