State Sen. Carla Nelson was recognized by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) July 29 during the Coalition’s summer conference in Alexandria for her positive impact on the state’s tax policy.

Sen. Nelson, a Republican from Rochester, is serving her fourth term in the Minnesota Senate. The Legislator of Distinction Award is given to legislators who played key roles in advancing CGMC’s policy during the preceding legislative session.

As chair of the Senate Taxes Committee, Sen. Nelson was instrumental in crafting and negotiating the passage of a tax bill that features a number of key priorities for Greater Minnesota cities including a housing tax credit, child care property tax credit, and local option sales taxes to help several cities pay for specific projects. She was also the key proponent of a provision in the tax bill that prevents any city from experiencing a reduction in Local Government Aid in 2022, even if the current formula would have otherwise called for a loss of aid. This provision helps ensure that no city has to deal with a loss of state funding as it continues to bounce back from the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

“We are fortunate to have a strong champion for Greater Minnesota as chair of the Senate Taxes Committee,” said Greg Zylka, mayor of Little Falls and president of the CGMC. “Sen. Nelson always kept Minnesota’s families and communities in mind as she developed tax policies and priorities this session. The final tax bill signed into law this summer reflects her hard work and dedication.”

CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing more than 100 cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota.