Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson, ranking member on the House Ag Committee says the Senate tax bill is closer to something he can support rather than the House Bill. Peterson backs lowering corporate tax rates but not at the expense of individuals. He also wants to raise the exemption on the estate tax but not eliminate it. Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says that all makes sense but the biggest problem with tax reform legislation is its impact on the federal debt.

He says the tax reform that’s been proposed in both the House and Senate needs to be carefully scrutinized before lawmakers move ahead with it. Wertish says those measures are they now stand could hurt funding needed for the new farm bill.

Wertish says tax reform proponents talk about the economic growth that will occur as a result of the legislation. He says however the economy is growing but at a slow pace.