Al Franken & The Minnesota DFL’s Massive Gas Tax Increase
Franken Gets His Minnesota Gas Tax Hike
Saint Paul – In a move strongly supported by comedian Al Franken, the DFL-dominated legislature passed Minnesota’s first gas tax increase in over 20 years. With middle class families already feeling the pinch from high fuel prices and an uncertain economy, the last thing they need is another tax increase.
“Few have argued more strongly than Al Franken that the Minnesota gas tax should be increased dramatically,” said Cullen Sheehan, campaign manager. “Franken has said Minnesotans won't even notice a gas tax increase. In fact, taxpayers are already feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices and these tax increases only make it harder for middle class families to get by.”
The Minnesota DFL’s Massive Gas Tax Increase:
“The legislation would increase the state gas tax 5 1/2 cents by fall and then by up to another 3 cents; 3 1/2 cents of the 8 1/2 cents would be in place until bonds authorized under the plan are retired.” (Mike Kaszuba and Mark Brunswick, “House, Senate override a Pawlenty veto for the first time,” Star Tribune, February 26, 2008)
Al Franken Supported Statewide Gas Tax Increase:
Franken: “Well I would certainly keep it on the table and I think we should do it here in Minnesota. You know, a lot of people want to raise the gas tax so that people buy less gasoline as a response to the threat of global warming. And I’m for cap and trade on carbon.” (Almanac, TPT, August 24, 2007)
Doesn’t Think Minnesotans Would Notice Five To Ten Cent Increase:
Franken: “And I think certainly in this state we need to increase the gas tax. We haven’t had an increase in the gas tax in 20 years. And I’m in favor of at least a five to ten cent tax increase. And the fluctuation of gas prices is that everyday anyway, I don’t think people would notice it so much.” (TwinWest Chamber Candidate Forum, October 5, 2007)
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