Zack Stephenson

Economy

Minnesota is a prosperous state, but we can do so much more to make sure our economy is firing on all cylinders and creating new jobs. We need to invest in our infrastructure: roads, bridges, water systems, airports, and mass transit. Improving infrastructure will help our existing businesses to grow and expand and will create good paying jobs in the construction industries. Learn more

Education

Varied and affordable higher education. Not every kid is going to go to college. But we need to make sure that those who choose to go aren’t saddled with mountains of debt. We also need to do a better job supporting our vocational and technical schools. Last, we need to do a better job connecting our high school students with all of the educational options open to them after graduation, from vocational schools and certificate programs, to community colleges, and our public and private colleges and universities.. Learn more

Rigorous K-12 education. Ask a foreign exchange students what surprises her about American education, and she’s likely to mention the lack of rigor in our schools. Our students need high expectations,and our schools need the support to get the job done. Today, state funding for schools is 1,000 less per pupil than it was in 2003. That is unacceptable. And when a local school district tries to make up the difference by raising property taxes, it increases burdens on middle class families and retirees. Learn more

Universal, high-quality early education. Study after study tells us that education begins long before kindergarten. High-quality preschool education improves students’ performance in school and generates 4 to 16 in return for every dollar we invest. Investing in early education will benefit our children, build the workforce our state needs to succeed in the future, and relieve pressure on middle class families struggling with the ever rising cost of childcare. Learn more

Environment / Energy

Ensure clean water for all. From lakes and streams to the Mississippi River, Minnesota’s most valuable natural resource is water. Keeping our water free of pollutants is crucial not only to our agricultural and environmental success, but also because we all have a right to clean drinking water. . Learn more

Recognize the evidence of climate change. The threat these changes pose must not be underestimated, and Minnesota should lead the country in our response. Championing ideas that reduce carbon emissions should be a priority, whether that means supporting electric vehicles, more rigorous research, or sources of renewable energy. Learn more

Guns

Zack strongly supports common sense ideas to curb gun violence, with particular emphasis on keeping guns away from violent criminals, the dangerously mentally ill, and domestic abusers. Learn more

Healthcare

Zack believes that all Minnesotans should be given the option of buying into MinnesotaCare. Right now, only people who have limited income can sign up for MinnesotaCare, but the people who have MinnesotaCare are very happy with it. And opening MinnesotaCare up to everyone will provide families with stability and save them money with no ongoing cost to taxpayers. Middle class families should have the option of buying into MinnesotaCare if that is what makes the more sense in their individual situation. Learn more

Zack also believes that we must hold insurance companies and drug companies accountable when they raise prices unnecessarily. Learn more

Social Services

Zack supports measures that will help Minnesotans afford retirement. That means making it easier to save for retirement and keeping our state run pension plans strong. Zack will fight against increases in local property taxes and supports state programs designed to help local governments avoid property tax increases. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

As a State Representative, Zack will work to prevent future property tax increases. Learn more