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Jacob




Hello from the State Capitol,

 

When you’re thinking about wastes of money at the state level, commuter rail has to be near the top of the list.

 

The Northstar commuter rail, in particular, has been a joke.

 

For 15 years, Minnesota has blown hundreds of millions of dollars on a “nice to have” and now sees few riders.

 

Annually, the Northstar line takes in just more than $300,000 in fares, compared to about $12 million in operating costs. Because ridership is so low, taxpayers are basically paying $115 in subsidies for every passenger that boards.

 

Recently the Minnesota House transportation committee approved a bill that would request federal approval to shut down the Northstar Line.

* *

Even Governor Walz’s transportation commissioner and the Metropolitan Council said recently that Northstar is not cost-effective transit and they are looking into replacing it with bus service.

 

If we do nothing, taxpayers will continue to waste billions of dollars from now until the end of time on a rail line hardly anyone uses. This bill is a lifeline for state taxpayers, and we need to use it.

 

*REPEALING CALIFORNIA CAR MANDATES*

Legislation moving ahead in the Minnesota House would help make the price of cars more affordable in Minnesota by eliminating the California cars mandate that was put into place through administrative rulemaking by Governor Walz’s administration.

 

Beginning this year, the mandate imposes California’s emission rules on all cars sold in Minnesota. This includes a zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) standard – which requires automakers to provide more low and zero-emission vehicle options, such as electric vehicles. It’s going to raise new vehicle costs by at least $1,000.

 

This is forcing auto dealers to carry more electric vehicles – whether there is public demand for them or not - and fewer vehicles that are popular in Minnesota, such as pickups and SUV’s. You also may have noticed Minnesota’s winters are slightly different than what they find in California.

 

The California Cars Mandate hurts auto manufacturers, increases costs to dealers and consumers, and limits choices for those looking to buy a new car, all in the name of climate change. If we have the opportunity to get rid of this California mandate in Minnesota, we should.

 

*KEEP IN TOUCH*

As always, if you ever have any legislative questions, please contact me. I can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 651.296.2273.

 

Have a good weekend,

 

Steve









2481 Centennial Office Bldg.
658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-2273
[email protected]







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