(ST. PAUL, Minn.) - Today, DFL Leader Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) announced the appointment of Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) as the DFL Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Cedrick Frazier makes Minnesota history as the first Black man to chair the Minnesota House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee.
“I appreciate Leader Stephenson’s belief in me and my leadership abilities to lead the Ways and Means Committee. I am honored to have Representative Esther Agbaje as my Vice Chair. Her deep knowledge of tax policy, coupled with a clear commitment to fiscal responsibility and equity, is the exact partnership Minnesota needs to counter the uncertainty from Washington.
“Our shared experience leading the House POCI Caucus proved we can deliver transformative legislation for historically marginalized communities whose voices have too often been excluded from the decision-making process. Now, we bring that same dedication to the Ways and Means Committee. POCI priorities are Minnesota priorities and representation is critical now more than ever in our government. Minnesota needs leaders who are prepared to stand up and protect all our constituents—families, workers, farmers, and children—from Trump and his Republican cronies and from their reckless cruel, divisive policies. We are answering their call and look forward to shepherding a path that secures a better future for all families, workers, and children. I look forward to this new chapter with Rep. Agbaje.”
The House Ways and Means Committee is responsible for general oversight of the State's operating budget. Generally, all finance bills must be heard in the Ways and Means Committee prior to being heard on the floor of the House.
"Rep. Frazier is an outstanding leader who is well respected throughout the Legislature. I am honored to appoint him as co-chair of the Ways and Means Committee," said House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson. "I look forward to working with him in this new role as we continue our efforts to build a Minnesota where everyone has the opportunity to succeed."
Cedrick Frazier is a third-term Minnesota State Representative, serving District 43A, which includes the cities of New Hope and Crystal in Hennepin County. At the Minnesota Legislature, he is Co-Chair of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus in the House and serves on the Chair Judiciary Finance and Civil Law (Co-Vice Chair), Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Energy Finance committees. Frazier is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Morris, Minnesota State University, Mankato, and William Mitchell College of Law.