Walz Misstates Minnesota’s Pre-K Access in Texas Speech

Gov. Tim Walz touted Minnesota’s education system to a Texas audience on Thursday, claiming improving graduation rates, free school meals, and worldwide pre-kindergarten education contribute to student success.

However, Minnesota does not currently have universal pre-K, and child care in the state ranks among the most expensive in the nation.

Walz made this inaccurate statement at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, during a nearly hour-long discussion. The Democratic-Farmer-Labor governor, seeking an unprecedented third four-year term, was invited to the annual event to discuss his previous vice presidential run and the national political landscape.

When asked for advice on improving educational outcomes for Texas students, Walz emphasized the importance of defending public schools and then highlighted what he considers the strengths of Minnesota’s education system.

“We got better achievement. We have less truancy and better graduation rates. We made sure that students were secure in their persons. They were secure in their food. They were secure at home with that Child Tax Credit,” Walz stated.

“… And then in Minnesota,we have universal pre-K for everyone,so students come ready to do what they need to do,” he added.

While Minnesota legislators have recently expanded access to free, voluntary pre-kindergarten programs, coverage remains far from universal.

Last year, the Legislature approved an expansion of free public preschool,but concerns remain regarding access and the impact on private child care providers.