DFL House Leader Promises Cost-of-Living Focus as Party Secures Majority
Zack Stephenson outlined plans for housing and healthcare relief, while noting that a new governor will oppose tax increases.
By Lauren Foster ·
The Minnesota House of Representatives will end its two-year stalemate in January when the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party takes control of 77 seats. House Leader Zack Stephenson stated that the new majority will prioritize reducing the cost of living for residents, with a specific focus on making healthcare and housing more affordable.
Stephenson gave this assessment during an interview in his Capitol office on Thursday. He noted that the previous session was defined by a 67-67 tie between the DFL and Republicans, which required a power-sharing agreement to pass legislation. That arrangement will expire when the new session begins on Jan. 12, 2027.
The DFL leader said he wants to take aggressive action to help middle-class and working-class Minnesotans. He indicated that the party may look at corporate tax increases to fund mental health programs. Specifically, he mentioned a tax on social media companies that the Minnesota Senate proposed the previous year but did not pass.
Stephenson argued that these companies are among the largest and wealthiest in the world. He claimed that social media contributes to increased depression and anxiety in the state. He said, “Some of the wealthiest companies that exist today. And they are causing harm in Minnesota.”
The party faces a potential internal conflict regarding taxes. Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar, who belongs to the same party, has repeatedly stated that she will not raise taxes. She reiterated this position on election night and the following day.
Klobuchar told reporters, “I have been very, very firm on this. I am not going to raise taxes, and that is not going to change.” Stephenson said he would oppose tax increases on the middle class. However, he said he would wait for the full picture of state spending and revenue before making final decisions on the budget.
Stephenson noted that the November budget forecast is not yet available. He pointed out that federal actions could also change the state’s financial outlook. He mentioned that the Trump administration has withheld hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding due to fraud allegations.
The House DFL plans to continue its focus on combating fraud. Stephenson said the party has taken strong action on the issue in the last two sessions. He stated, “Fraud is totally unacceptable. One dollar of fraud is unacceptable.”
The structure of the committee that oversees fraud may change. The House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee was created as part of the previous power-sharing agreement. Stephenson said the caucus is interested in continuing oversight work, but he did not confirm if the committee will keep its current name or structure.
The House DFL must first elect a new leadership team. After that, the party will decide on the committee structure for the 2027 legislative session, which starts in January.
