Tim Walz’ progressive health policies ran into Mayo Clinic clout

MaINNEAPOLIS — Money talks, even to the most progressive politicians, and top nonprofit hospitals can spend a lot of money.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who Vice President Kamala Harris announced as her Democratic running mate on Tuesday, has made a name for himself as a progressive who would champion paid family and medical leave, free meals for school children and legalize recreational marijuana. He’s also willing to take on corporate interests in the health care sector. Incite litigation Regarding the law It limited the role of UnitedHealth Group. Participate in state Medicaid programs; Prescription Drug Affordability Committee We can put a cap on the price of medicines.

But last year, in a bitter showdown with the Mayo Clinic over two bills to contain health care costs and regulate hospital staff, Walz backed down after the clinic threatened to redirect billions of dollars of planned investments in the state. The state nurses union has criticized Walz’s Concessions “The abandonment of good government and acquiescence to anti-democratic, anti-labor corporate tyranny.”