Thursday the House Ways and Means Committee took testimony on tax reform legislation. South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal was one of those who spoke to the panel. VanderWal who also serves as Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation says both businesses and farmers are negatively impacted by tax consequences and taxes impact every decision on the farm.

VanderWals group supports repeal of the estate tax which is in a measure sponsored by South Dakota Congresswoman Kristi Noem who serves on the committee. He says what he told the committee matched by small business representatives who want tax reform passed.

VanderWal says he told the committee that businesses need to be able to deduct their interest expenses and any attempt to repeal that must be stopped.

VanderWal says there seems to be a sense of urgency from committee members who want to move forward tax reform legislation.