Harris running mate Tim Walz returns to Boston to speak at firefighter convention

Vice presidential hopeful Tim Walz is continuing on the campaign trail this week with an appearance in Boston.

The Minnesota governor was in Boston on Wednesday to give a speech at the biannual International Association of Fire Fighters Convention.

Walz spoke about the importance of first responders while touting the plans he and Vice President Kamala Harris have for labor policy.

He also called out former President Donald Trump's connection to Project 2025 during the roughly 15-minute speech.

Here's what to know about Walz's appearance in Boston and what he said.

Why is Tim Walz in Boston?

Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz was in Boston Wednesday to speak at the 57th International Association of Fire Fighters Convention.

The convention is an event for one of the largest labor unions in North America, which represents nearly 350,000 firefighters, emergency medical workers, and rescue workers in the U.S. and Canada.

According to its website, the convention is a gathering where members vote on resolutions and constitutional amendments.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's appearance at the convention marked the second time he's been in Boston in two weeks. He appeared at a campaign fundraiser in the Back Bay on Aug. 14.

Tim Walz at IAFF convention: Unions are 'purest form of democracy'

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said during a speech at Wednesday's International Association of Fire Fighters Convention that he and Vice President Kamala Harris are committed to supporting unions and first responders.

"As a union member, our union halls are the purest form of democracy, the opportunity to speak your mind, elect leadership, speak what you want on your platform, and then go advertise or go advocate for it," Walz said. "That's how democracy is supposed to work."

Walz said if elected, Harris would sign the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, a proposed law that would expand labor protections, including protecting employees' right to organize.

He also said Harris would protect the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants program, which provides funding to fire departments for training.

Tim Walz slams Donald Trump's connection to Project 2025: 'They're going to use it'

Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz on Wednesday slammed former President Donald Trump's claims that he doesn't know anything about the Project 2025 political plan.

In an appearance at the International Association of Fire Fighters Convention in Boston, Walz said despite Trump's claims to not know about the conservative political plan that proposes radical changes to the government, the former president would use it if elected.

"They're going to use it. It's written out. They know what's there. And look, they're not going to wait a few years to do it," Walz said.

Walz said he and Harris oppose the government interference plans laid out in Project 2025.

"We believe that you, not politicians, should be made free to make your own health care choices," Walz said. "We believe that workers deserve to collectively bargain for fair wages, safe working conditions, good health care and secure retirement. No interference from government."

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: VP candidate Tim Walz speaks IAFF convention in Boston