Rep. Jon Koznick: Governor Walz’s Transportation Plan Puts Minnesota Families and Drivers in Reverse
St. Paul, MN—The House Transportation Finance and Policy Division heard Governor Tim Walz’s transportation budget proposal during committee on Thursday afternoon. The Governor’s proposal contains a number of excessive tax and fee increases including a 70% gas tax increase that would vault Minnesota to fourth highest in the nation. Data from the Department of Revenue estimates that the governor’s proposal would raise over $3.5 billion in new gas taxes, registration fees, and additional vehicle taxes over the next four years.
“With a $1 billion budget surplus, it is absurd to think that the governor wants to raise taxes and fees on Minnesotans in excess of $3.5 billion over the next four years,” said Rep. Koznick. “Last biennium, Republicans showed that we can make historic investments in our transportation system without raising taxes. Minnesotans understand that we already pay enough at the pump and the excessive taxes and fees that the governor is proposing would disproportionately harm our middle and lower income neighbors. Instead of moving us forward, the expensive Democrat plan would put Minnesota families and drivers in reverse.”
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