State lawmakers have the week off for Passover and Easter, and after that the big push begins with only six weeks remaining in the legislative session. One big issue is lining up Minnesota’s tax code with major changes President Trump pushed through Congress. Carleton College political analyst Steven Schier (SHEER) says, “I think tax conformity, with the new federal changes, may be the issue that consumes the rest of the legislative session.”
Schier says not only is “tax conformity” technically complex, “but second of all, it’s now become a debate between Democrats and Republicans about proper tax policy for the state, and that’s a huge disagreement that has to be worked through as well.” Republicans and Democratic Governor Mark Dayton have very different views about how to focus tax changes — individuals versus businesses.
Dayton says his focus will be on protecting middle-class and lower-income Minnesotans. Republicans want to make sure businesses aren’t hurt so job growth continues in Minnesota.
More in this interview with Professor Schier: