How do Latinos feel about Tim Walz? In Minnesota, mostly positive

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How do Latinos feel about Tim Walz? In Minnesota, mostly positive

WWW.NBCNEWS.COM

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There are fewer Latinos in Minnesota than in some of the other swing states Harris will need to win, but Hispanic supporters say Walz looked out for their interests as governor.

 

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Emilia Gonzalez Avalos, executive director of Unidos MN, a group that advocates for immigrants, education and climate justice, said Walz’s record reflects that he regards the state's Latinos, including those in the immigrant community, “as another constituency within working families.”

 

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Last year, Walz signed legislation creating a program to cover state college tuition and fees for Minnesota residents whose families' adjusted gross income is less than $80,000 a year. The assistance kicks in to cover what is not paid for by other grants, such as federal financial aid, and scholarships.

 

Since 2013, the state has offered in-state tuition and financial assistance to those with temporary legal status and those not legally here. A policy change improved how assistance is calculated for students who don't get federal financial aid. The change provided more state aid to those who lack legal immigration status, attend certain trade schools, such as barber college, or have lower course loads than required for federal aid.

 

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“Most of the Latino students that we hear from in the state say they choose other options than college because of affordability,” Gonzalez said, regarding the importance of the measures.

 

Paid family leave is available to anyone, and those who pay federal taxes with an individual tax ID number regardless of immigration status are eligible for child tax credits, Gonzalez said.

 

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A law signed by Walz in 2020 to cap insulin rates at $35 a month did not include undocumented people. Peréz-Vega said she worked with Walz to help get that cap extended to those without legal immigration status who pay federal taxes.