Following several weeks of town hall forums to discuss tax issues, Senate Tax Committee Chairman Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) has announced the committee will begin the 2018 legislative session by studying the details of the Federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act. The hearing will take place on February 21, one day after the legislature reconvenes.

Senator Chamberlain has held Tax Town Halls with local senators in every region of the state during January and February to receive feedback directly from taxpayers and make the case that Minnesota needs to react quickly to the federal tax overhaul to maximize benefits for Minnesota citizens. Senator Chamberlain has already visited Bemidji, Plymouth, Zumbrota, New Prague, Willmar, and St. Cloud, with plans for more stops in the coming weeks.

“This is our number one priority for 2018. We have a historic opportunity to simplify our tax code and help more Minnesotans keep more of their paychecks,” said Sen. Chamberlain. “Last session, we took an important first step, but the federal tax overhaul has opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

 

“I have been traveling the state for a few weeks now talking about this issue, and the response has been clear – Minnesotans want us to act. They do not have a problem paying taxes because there are services the government has to provide, but they do feel like they are overtaxed. Conforming our state tax code to federal changes will save Minnesotans more than $3 billion over the next few years. In the end this is about empowering people to make their own choices and control their own lives, so they can continue to do great things for Minnesota.”

The committee hearing will begin at 8:30 a.m. on February 21.