State Representative Zack Stephenson

05/22/2026

After my first session as caucus leader, I’m reflecting on the brilliant, hard work of my colleagues to deliver for Minnesotans. From saving HCMC to funding housing and infrastructure projects all across the state, to so much more, we passed incredible legislation that will make Minnesotans’ lives better.

I am so proud of this caucus, and I am forever proud of the state that we call home.

05/18/2026

I'm thinking of Melissa Hortman as we wrap up the session. The best tribute to Melissa was getting our work done and getting it done on time.

05/12/2026

Any amount of fraud is unacceptable - it means criminals have stolen from taxpayers and the most vulnerable in our state.

My colleagues and I are committed to doing everything we can to hold bad actors accountable and prevent fraud in the future.

I'm glad that our bill to create an independent Office of the Inspector General has now officially passed in both the House and Senate and is on its way to the Governor.

The OIG’s office is one piece of our multi-part agenda to stop and prevent fraud in our state — but it's a big part, and I'm proud to have supported the effort to make it happen.

04/27/2026

Every day, firefighters put their lives on the line to protect people. They are there when people need them most, and policymakers have the same obligation to be there for our firefighters.

I was glad to spend a few minutes with our brave first responders this morning at Fire Service Day at the Capitol, where I made clear my commitment to passing legislation to keep our firefighters safe, supported, and protected.

04/22/2026

Private insurance companies keep hiking up the rates on our public schools to make more profit, while our schools are cutting staff to make up for it. In Anoka-Hennepin, premiums went up by 22% in 2025. Enough is enough - this isn't sustainable.

This is a common-sense solution that supports our schools and educators, and I'm proud to support it.

As health insurance premiums continue to rise, Minnesota school districts — especially small, rural ones — struggle to find good, affordable health care coverage for their staff. Minnesota educators across the state want to be able to band together for better coverage and bargaining power in the...

04/15/2026

The Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program.

Generations of Minnesotans will benefit from the light Melissa carried and her tireless efforts to support clean energy in our state.

A fitting honor for a fearless leader and a friend I miss every day.

I just signed a bill to rename Minnesota’s community solar program after Speaker Melissa Hortman.

Melissa was a true champion of solar and I was proud to sign this in honor of my dear friend.

04/09/2026

It was great to take a moment to speak with members of the Carpenter's Union and the IUOE 49ers about the need for a strong bonding bill this year.

When we're investing in infrastructure and our union members are working, Minnesota is stronger.

03/24/2026

At a time when our kids are struggling with mental health more than ever, it is shocking and sad to see our district laying off 75 social workers, counselors, and support staff.

We need to do what we can to right these wrongs, and fix the system that has let our kids down. Our Anoka-Hennepin kids deserve better.

The state's largest district is making $8.1 million in cuts next year as it still faces a deficit.

03/12/2026

The MN House just voted (unanimously) to rename our state’s solar program in honor of Melissa Hortman, the program's architect.

Here's a snippet of her remarks from when the bill creating the solar program was passed in 2013. It was one of her proudest accomplishments.

Melissa cared about clean energy because she cared about the future. She was always planning ahead and thinking about her duty as a lawmaker to future generations of Minnesotans.
It’s more than fitting that we name this program after her.

03/04/2026

I loved meeting with members from the Minnesota Nurses Association this week.

I'm grateful for all the essential work nurses do for our state — and I'll continue fighting to ensure they have the resources and support they deserve.