Minnesota state lawmakers have approved tax bills in their respective chambers and sent them to a conference committee to work out the differences. State Farmers Union Government Relations Director Thom Petersen says his group is pleased that both measures are beneficial for farmers and ranchers in that they bring state taxes in conformity with federal tax code and increase the level for Section 179 expensing.

He says tax conformity makes it easier for farmers and their accountants.

Petersen thinks the Governor will agree to whatever the conference committee comes up with on the tax legislation.

Petersen says state lawmakers have two and a half weeks left to work out their differences on the tax legislation.