SAINT PAUL, MN – Minnesota’s 2013 legislative session officially began Tuesday, with Representative Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) officially being sworn in to continue serving in the Minnesota legislature.
“I’m honored to return to the Minnesota Legislature, and represent the people of District 58B,” Garofalo said. He will serve as the GOP Lead on the Energy Policy Committee, and as a member of the powerful Tax Committee and the Committee on Property & Local Tax Division.
In addition to his committee work, Garofalo said his focus for the upcoming session will be on protecting the middle class from further tax hikes. “Despite rhetoric from Democrats about protecting the middle class in the Fiscal Cliff battle, far too many middle class Minnesotans will see less money on their next paycheck,” Garofalo said, referencing the expiration of the payroll tax cut, resulting in increased Social Security taxes, and the tax hikes included in the Fiscal Cliff agreement passed by Congress on New Years’ Day. “Mark Dayton and the Democrats have already signaled their intention to raise taxes that would affect all Minnesotans,” Garofalo said. “I will work to protect working class Minnesotans from seeing their taxes increased further, and oppose any effort by the DFL the enact tax increases that will destroy jobs and have a negative impact on the middle class.”
Garofalo’s office will be the State Office Building, adjacent to the State Capitol in Room 247. “I hope citizens will visit my office if they are in the area,” Garofalo said. “I also encourage constituents to contact me should they have any questions or concerns about legislation or other issues at the Capitol.” Garofalo can be reached by phone at 651-296-1069, toll-free at 888-667-3337, or by email at Rep.Pat.Garofalo@house.mn. Mail should be sent to Rep. Pat Garofalo, 247 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.