Senator Ann Rest Honored by Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence for Four Decades of Fiscal Leadership and Commitment to Good Government

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence (MCFE) has honored Senator Ann Rest (DFL–New Hope) for her more than forty years of distinguished public service and her steadfast dedication to advancing principled, transparent, and effective tax and budget policy at the Minnesota Capitol.

The recognition was presented Monday at MCFE’s 99th Annual Meeting, celebrating Rest’s long record of leadership and her unwavering commitment to good governance and fiscal responsibility.

Senator Rest, who holds the unique distinction of being the only legislator in Minnesota history to chair the Taxes Committee in both the House and the Senate, was applauded for her role in shaping the state’s modern fiscal policy framework and for maintaining a bipartisan approach to tax reform throughout her tenure.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence because, like me, the Center insists on a principled approach to tax and budget policy,” Senator Rest said. “A commitment to those principles is what creates good government in our state — which, even in these uncertain and chaotic times, still matters to Minnesotans.”

A Shared Commitment to Fiscal Integrity

The Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence, formerly known as the Minnesota Taxpayers Association, is a nonpartisan organization that uses independent research and analysis to inform policymakers and citizens about the long-term impacts of tax and spending decisions. Founded in 1926, MCFE advocates for sound fiscal management and policies that ensure accountability and efficiency in government spending.

By honoring Senator Rest, MCFE recognized not only her legislative achievements but also her shared philosophy of fiscal integrity, taxpayer transparency, and responsible governance — values that underpin both her career and the organization’s mission.

Four Decades of Leadership at the Capitol

First elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1984, Rest served eight terms before winning election to the Minnesota Senate in 2000, where she has served eight additional terms. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in crafting state budget legislation, reforming tax codes, and advocating for equitable and sustainable fiscal policies that strengthen Minnesota’s economy.

Her leadership roles have included:

• Chair of the House Taxes Committee (1993–1997)
• Chair of the Senate Taxes Committee
• President Pro Tempore of the Minnesota Senate

Rest’s legislative legacy is grounded in her reputation for policy expertise, analytical rigor, and bipartisan collaboration — qualities that have earned her deep respect among colleagues and stakeholders across party lines.

Looking Ahead: Retirement and Enduring Legacy

In September 2025, Senator Rest announced that she will retire after the 2026 legislative session, concluding an extraordinary legislative career spanning more than four decades. Her departure will mark the end of one of the most influential tenures in Minnesota’s fiscal policy history.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by training, Senator Rest holds degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, where she earned a master’s in business taxation. Her academic and professional background has consistently informed her practical approach to policymaking — balancing fiscal prudence with a strong sense of civic duty.

Why the Honor Matters

The MCFE’s recognition underscores the importance of principled leadership in shaping Minnesota’s tax and budget systems. As the state continues to navigate economic uncertainty, Senator Rest’s career stands as a model of what fiscal responsibility and ethical governance can achieve when guided by evidence, collaboration, and accountability.

“Even in these uncertain and chaotic times,” Rest noted, “good government still matters to Minnesotans.”

Her words — and her record — reflect a core truth about Minnesota’s political legacy: that principled fiscal leadership remains essential to building a stronger, more equitable state for future generations.

MinneapoliMedia