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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jon Koznick (R)

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RELEASE: Rep. Koznick Statement on DFL Proposal to Decriminalize Light-Rail Fare Evasions

Monday, February 3, 2020

St.Paul, MN—Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, issued a statement following Monday's press conference held by Rep. Brad Tabke, DFL-Shakopee, where Tabke announced legislation that would decriminalize fare evasion on the light-rail system and implement a new transit ambassador program at Metro Transit.

“Metro Transit’s own data shows a transportation system in crisis as assaults and robberies have skyrocketed in the last year. Reducing the penalties for fare evasion alone won’t make our light rail system safer for Minnesotans who use the train every day to commute to work, attend concerts and sporting events, and travel to the airport. While Democrats focus their efforts on legislation that gives breaks to fare evaders, Republicans will demonstrate to Minnesotans that we take this crisis seriously and will be putting forward proposals that bolster rider safety on trains and light rail platforms.”

Rep. Koznick is chair of the Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government. The Commission will be meeting on Wednesday, February 5th at noon to discuss security on Metro Transit.

Koznick continued “We are willing to work with colleagues on light-rail safety and are glad they acknowledge the problems that we have been trying to discuss for years. It is frustrating that, under their proposal, the new program will not be in effect until at least 2022—only after the Met Council implements a plan. We need to act sooner. Riders should not fear being victimized every time they get near a bus or train.”

Metropolitan Council chair, Charlie Zelle, is among those scheduled to testify at Wednesday’s meeting. For more information on the agenda, click here.

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