Since his election, Governor Walz has promised to increase the gas tax in Minnesota. Walz delivered on that promise in his just-released budget proposal. In the budget proposal released this week, Walz is proposing to increase the gas tax by 70% which will collect an estimated $1.3 Billion from taxpayers.
The average family which drives two cards can expect to pay up to an additional $300 at the gas pump annually. This tax increase will now give Minnesota the 4th highest gas tax in the nation.
The budget will have to get passed by the Minnesota Senate which is currently controlled by Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelks quickly denounced the gas tax along with several other tax increases supported by Governor Walz.
“This is the kind of budget you get when you promise everyone everything. Minnesotans do not want to pay a 48-cent per gallon gas tax, higher tab fees and motor vehicle taxes, and a tax on doctor visits just for being sick. It’s unfair, unsustainable, and sets us up for a budget deficit in the near future. With this budget, we may as well call Minnesota a cold California.” said Gazelka
Conservative grassroots group Americans for Prosperity have also quickly begun organizing against the gas tax and begun a petition drive to lobby legislators to vote against the large tax increase.
Minnesota is already consistently ranked as one of the worst tax climates in the nation.
Alpha News will continue to research and report on the new proposed Minnesota budget. Stay tuned for updates.
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