Walz’s Remarks on Day Care Amid Immigration Fraud Reports

In a video that resurfaced in 2024, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota highlighted how the state has made it “easy” for individuals to join the day care industry. This discussion took place with J.D. Vance, the then-Republican vice presidential candidate, where they talked about child care and the benefits of Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave policies that enable mothers to take time off after giving birth.

Walz emphasized that these initiatives provide children with a better start and help families operate more smoothly. He strongly advocated for expanding the paid family and medical leave program.

He stated, “When it comes to child care, we have to think from both the supply side and the demand side. We can’t expect the most important people in our lives to take care of our children and our parents for just a minimum salary. We need to make it easier for people to enter this profession and ensure they can be compensated fairly.”

Walz expressed pride in Minnesota’s status, noting, “We are still in crisis on this issue. Federal programs for paid family and medical leave are critical; they will bolster our workforce and families and facilitate having the children we desire.”

A video featuring Walz’s comments came to light after citizen journalist Nick Shirley showcased visits to several Minnesota child care and learning centers that reportedly received millions in federal funding, yet appeared to lack any children.

Shirley captured a visit to one location, the Quality “Learning” Center, which had an ironic misspelling of “learning” on its sign, according to reports. As Shirley approached the facility, a woman inside shouted, “Don’t open it,” mistakenly suggesting that Shirley and his companion were ICE agents.

Shirley pointed out in the video that the location was deserted. Following the report, the sign was corrected to read “Quality Learning Center,” and the nursery has reportedly seen a surge in child enrollment since then.