MNCPA members meet with Rep. Brad Finstad
September 25, 2025 | Geno Fragnito
Earlier this month, Rep. Brad Finstad met with MNCPA members from the First Congressional District for a virtual town hall, addressing a range of policy issues.
The discussion centered on federal tax policy, government services, rural housing, agriculture, and regulatory reform, with Finstad providing detailed responses to participant questions. The following are some key points from the meeting.
Tax policy and the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
- Finstad emphasized the importance of making key provisions of the TCJA permanent, including Section 199A, R&D expensing and Section 179 immediate expensing.
- He noted that uncertainty around tax policy can hinder business investment and growth, and that permanency in the tax code is critical for long-term planning.
- Finstad credited feedback from CPAs and business owners for shaping legislative priorities and highlighted the risk of a $4.7 trillion tax increase if the Act is not extended.
IRS funding and government modernization
- Responding to concerns about IRS service delays and budget cuts, Finstad acknowledged the frustrations faced by constituents.
- He explained that while there is a need for modernizing government technology and improving customer service, fiscal responsibility remains a priority given the nation’s $37 trillion debt.
- Finstad described his office’s efforts to help constituents navigate IRS and federal agency challenges and called for agencies to become more efficient and user focused.
Affordable housing in rural Minnesota
- Finstad addressed the complexity of the rural housing shortage, citing high construction costs, elevated interest rates and a lack of housing stock turnover as key factors.
- He pointed out that many homeowners are reluctant to move due to low fixed-rate mortgages, which has slowed market activity.
- Finstad discussed the need to stabilize interest rates, lower input costs and consider tax code incentives to encourage housing market movement.
Farm Bill reauthorization
- Finstad reported that about 70% of the Farm Bill has been reauthorized, covering risk management tools, crop insurance and support for new farmers.
- He highlighted bipartisan cooperation on remaining issues, particularly in conservation and rural development, and expressed optimism about completing the process before the next harvest.
Trade and tariffs
- Finstad noted the ongoing agricultural trade deficit and the need for new trade agreements to open markets for Minnesota farmers.
- He cited recent deals with countries like Japan, Indonesia and the EU as positive steps, but stressed the importance of seeing tangible export growth.
Regulatory reform and the PROVE IT Act
- Finstad talked about the PROVE IT Act, which seeks to give businesses a greater voice in the federal rulemaking process and increase transparency.
- He linked the Act to the recent Chevron decision, arguing that Congress should be more involved in the details of regulatory implementation to ensure laws are carried out as intended.
Throughout the town hall, Finstad outlined his legislative priorities and ongoing efforts in Congress while also encouraging CPAs to let him and other members of Congress know what’s important to CPAs, the businesses you work for and the clients you represent.
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Topics: Legislative & Government Affairs, General Member Events
Geno Fragnito
Geno Fragnito is the MNCPA government relations director, advocating on behalf of the CPA profession. His days consist of last-minute meeting changes, building relationships with lawmakers, helping CPAs navigate state government, and putting in more than 15,000 steps per day walking the halls of the Capitol. Geno unwinds with a little golf and traveling with his family. If he weren’t a lobbyist, Geno would perfect his cast and be a professional fisherman. Geno can be reached at 952-885-5550 or gfragnito@mncpa.org.
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