Americans for Prosperity-Minnesota urges legislators to abandon gas tax push

ST. PAUL, MINN. – Over the past two weeks, Americans for Prosperity-Minnesota volunteers have placed thousands of calls to constituents across the state to hold Minnesota Senators accountable for their votes to raise gas taxes. The Minnesota Senate passed a bill last session which included Governor Dayton’s gas tax proposal to increase gasoline prices on Minnesotans by roughly 16.5 cents/gallon, even though the state already has millions in existing transportation related funds that don’t go to transportation.

“The renewed push by the Senate DFL Caucus for their failed plan from last session hurts Minnesotans by holding transportation funding hostage in exchange for hiking taxes. Instead of further burdening taxpayers with higher prices at the pump and increased costs of living, the Minnesota Senate should prioritize road and bridge funding within existing revenues in the state’s general fund budget, including within the projected $900 million surplus in the state’s budget,” said AFP-Minnesota State Director Jason Flohrs.

“Our volunteers have already placed thousands of calls in an on-going effort to connect with Minnesotans and make sure lawmakers at the state capital hear their constituents’ opposition to increased gas taxes.”

AFP-Minnesota is urging legislators to reverse their votes and keep transportation tax increases out of any end-of-session transportation deal. The state has already increased overall spending by nearly 40 percent in the last six years, yet lawmakers plan to double down to increase gasoline prices and metro-area sales tax for transit, as well as raise other tab and license fees.

“At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, AFP-Minnesota is standing up to the legislature and asking lawmakers to prioritize transportation spending within existing revenues, rather than further squeezing already burdened taxpayers,” said Flohrs. “This is an issue that our activists care deeply about, and we will continue to hold lawmakers accountable for the votes they take in St. Paul.”

For further information or an interview, please contact Jason Flohrs at JFlohrs@AFPhq.org or (612) 247-0805.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) exists to recruit, educate, and mobilize citizens in support of the policies and goals of a free society at the local, state, and federal level, helping every American live their dream – especially the least fortunate. AFP has more than 2.8 million activists across the nation, a local infrastructure that includes 35 state chapters, and has received financial support from more than 100,000 Americans in all 50 states. For more information, visit http://www.AmericansForProsperity.org.