Minnesotans deserve a gas tax holiday

Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well. First, I’d like to express my thoughts about what’s happening in Ukraine. Minnesota firmly stands with the people of Ukraine, a sovereign nation that is under attack by an autocratic regime led by Vladimir Putin. This is the biggest geopolitical challenge since the Cold War, and it’s important that we stand up for freedom, democracy, and peace.

Our New Budget Surplus

With news of a record-breaking budget surplus this week, there’s no reason state lawmakers can’t help Minnesotans address the rising cost of child care, housing, health care, food, and gasoline. With costs rising, and new economic uncertainty brought on by the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, the Legislature has a responsibility to make sure taxpayers are benefitting from the surplus they helped create. This will certainly include some combination of tax cuts, tax rebates, and other direct payments from the state to taxpayers, though the specifics are still being developed.

My New Proposal for a Gas Tax Holiday

Gas prices in Minnesota are already high, and will likely soar higher due to Russia's war against Ukraine. Families are hurting all across the state due to the highest inflation we've seen in decades.  That is why I am proposing a gas tax holiday this summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when gas prices usually reach their peak. Click here to watch news coverage from KARE11.

Under my plan, consumers wouldn't have to pay the 28.5 cent state gas tax during this period. The gas tax funds our roads and bridges, and they need the money, so I am also proposing we replace the lost revenue dollar for dollar from the state's budget surplus. The total cost would be just over $200 million.

As you can see in news coverage, the plan has support from many people. Unfortunately, Senate leaders expressed opposition. I'll try to work collaboratively with them to find ways to bring relief from inflation to the families of the northern suburbs.

Minnesota House Approves Audit of Southwest Light Rail

Minnesotans deserve oversight, accountability, and transparency, and there’s no greater example of this need right now than the Southwest Light Rail Line. This project has experienced unacceptable delays and cost overruns. On March 3, I was proud to vote for a legislative audit of the line. Minnesotans deserve a public transit system that works, and they expect it to be fixed when there are delays and cost overruns. There is strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate for an audit and I’m glad that we are one step closer to getting this done.

Banning Conversion Therapy for Kids and Young Adults

This week, a Minnesota House committee passed a ban on conversion therapy for kids and young adults. Conversion therapy includes a range of dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion therapy is not a therapy at all — it’s been denounced by every mainstream medical and mental health association, including the American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. This bill would prevent teens and young adults from being coerced into treatments that are ineffective and lead to depression, decreased self esteem, substance abuse, and even suicide. It also seeks to help prevent parents from being taken advantage of by deceptive agents of the conversion therapy industry. This would change lives, improve lives, and save lives.

My KFAN Interview About Sports Betting

On March 3, I was glad to join KFAN’s Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro to talk about the latest developments on sports betting legislation. You can listen to our entire conversation here.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or 651-296-5513.

It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Champlin families in St. Paul.

Sincerely, 

Rep. Zack Stephenson 
Minnesota House of Representatives | District 36A