Works with House, Governor on tax conformity legislation & lowering taxes

On Monday, May 7, Senator Paul Anderson was named to the bipartisan Legislative Conference Committee on the recently passed comprehensive tax bill that aligned Minnesota’s state tax code with the latest federal changes. The legislation protected 99.9% of Minnesotans from unintended tax increases, decreased taxes for 82% of working families, and cut Minnesota’s lowest income tax bracket, positively impacting the lowest wage earners most.

“Before the 2018 session began, tax conformity was the top priority of the state legislature,” said Senator Anderson. “After months of hard work, we not only passed a bill that protected the pocketbooks of nearly every Minnesotan, but prioritized working families through tax reductions. Now, as we work through the conference committee process, my focus will continue to be on supporting middle class households and hardworking Minnesotans.”

Senator Anderson was appointed to the conference committee by the Minnesota Senate Majority Leader, Senator Paul Gazelka. The committee will be co-chaired by Senator Roger Chamberlain, who is the Chairman of the Senate Tax Committee.

“After serving with Senator Anderson not only in the Senate, but together on the Senate Tax Committee, I understand firsthand his dedication to the Minnesota taxpayer and his constituents,” said Senator Gazelka. “His vast knowledge of tax policy and ability to work across the aisle make him an essential addition to the conference committee.”

Added Senator Chamberlain, “From fighting for a tax exemption for the City of Minnetonka to build new police and fire facilitates, to tax credits for innovative technology start-ups, Senator Anderson had a large hand in shaping the Senate tax bill. He understands how to work collaboratively, and I’m happy to have him on the conference committee.”

Conference committees are special, temporary legislative committees tasked with reconciling differences in bills that were passed by both bodies of the legislature. Each committee is comprised of five members of the Senate and five members of the House. The committee members will work collaboratively, usually along with staff from the Governor, to create compromise legislation.

“By working together in a bipartisan manner, we can finish the job we set out to do earlier this year, and that’s ensure more Minnesota families keep their hard-earned money,” said Senator Anderson.