JEFFERSON CITY — State Senator Will Kraus, R–Lee’s Summit, has been named the chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee by Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, R–St. Charles. Senator Kraus has served as the chairman of the committee, which handles Missouri tax issues, since 2013.

“I am honored to return as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee,” said Sen. Kraus. “In the last two years, the committee has spent a lot of time looking at Missouri tax policy, probably more than ever in history. I look forward to continuing that progress.”

Senate Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles, said the chairmen of each committee will act as leaders to find solutions to move Missouri forward in a prudent, positive manner.

“I’m happy to support Sen. Kraus as he continues his role as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee,” said Sen. Dempsey.  “Sen. Kraus has proven to be a significant leader in tax policy. He was instrumental in passing last year’s historic tax cut, and I expect him to remain dedicated to protecting Missouri taxpayers once again this session.”

This summer, Sen. Kraus chaired the Senate Interim Committee on Tax Administration Practices which looked at how the Missouri Department of Revenue is administering the state’s tax law. Several recommendations from that committee will be debated in the Ways and Means Committee this year.

“With a significant change to our tax laws on our books, my focus this year will be making sure the sales tax laws we have are being fairly and appropriately enforced,” said Sen. Kraus. “The committee heard too many examples where the department has targeted industries or changed the rules without notifying businesses. My priority this session will be protecting these and other taxpayers.”

A list of all legislative committees on which Sen. Kraus currently serves is available on his Senate Web site at www.senate.mo.gov/Kraus.