Zack Stephenson

Zack Stephenson is an American politician and member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), he represents District 36A in the northwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Zack Stephenson
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 36A district
Assumed office
January 8, 2019
Preceded byMark Uglem
Personal details
Political partyDemocratic–Farmer–Labor
Spouse(s)Austin
Children2
ResidenceCoon Rapids, Minnesota
Alma materKnox College
University of Chicago
Occupationattorney

Early life, education, and career

Stephenson was raised in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 2002.[1] He attended Knox College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in public policy analysis in 2006 and later attended the University of Chicago Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2010.[2]

Stephenson is a prosecutor for Hennepin County. He was formerly a staffer for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.[1]

Minnesota House of Representatives

Stephenson was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018. He serves as Chair of the Commerce Committee, and also serves on the Climate and Energy Committee, the Taxes Committee, as well as the Redistricting Committee.[3]

During the 2019 session, Stephenson successfully authored a bill to get rid of Minnesota's "marital rape exception." Before Stephenson's bill passed, Minnesota law prevented prosecution of rape in certain circumstances when the victim was married to the rapist. After enactment of Stephenson's bill, rapists could be prosecuted regardless of whether they were married to the victim.[4]

Stephenson also successfully authored a provision to take the first steps towards building a new Mississippi River crossing between Dayton, Minnesota, and Ramsey, Minnesota.[5]

In 2020, Stephenson was the chief author of a bill to provide grants to small businesses that were not able to operate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill allocated a total of $62.5 million in grants up to $10,000, with $18 million reserved for microbusinesses, defined as businesses with less than 6 employees. Stephenson's bill passed the House by a margin of 129 to 5 and was unanimously approved in the Senate.[6]

Personal life

Stephenson and his wife, Austin, have two children. He resides in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.[2]

References
  1. "Voters guide: House District 36A: Maresh vs. Stephenson". ABC Newspapers. Adams Publishing Group. October 13, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  2. "Stephenson, Zack". Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  3. https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/profile/15507
  4. http://www.startribune.com/senate-nears-passage-of-marital-rape-repeal-prodded-by-determined-survivor/509238622/
  5. https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/profile/news/15507/25537
  6. https://www.twincities.com/2020/06/12/mn-house-passes-60m-bill-to-help-small-businesses-hit-hard-by-coronavirus-pandemic/
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