ST. PAUL — District 27 Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, was appointed last week to the Minnesota Senate Tax Committee, a position he says will help him to craft Minnesota’s tax policies moving forward.

According to the senator, the committee assignment will help ensure that southern Minnesota has a strong voice for passing tax policy that works for farmers, small businesses and middle class families.

“I am looking forward to working together with my colleagues on this committee to ensure we are creating a fair and balanced tax system,” Sparks said in a press release. “By crafting a tax bill that promotes our priorities — like relief for our state’s farmers, the small businesses that make up much of our economy, and middle-class families — we can ensure people are succeeding. I hope we can continue to make strong progress with a fair bill in 2016.”

Sparks, 46, was first elected in 2002 and has announced he will seek a fifth term in November.

Sparks previously said he is hopeful lawmakers will be able to find some tax relief this session.

Minnesota State Chamber of Commerce leaders are calling for the state to phase out the statewide property tax levy and remove the annual tax inflation index. Austin Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sandy Forstner said it’s hard for businesses to hire, provide pay increases and make improvements with the tax, which is a message leaders have brought to local lawmakers.

“I think it is time that we take a look at that,” Sparks said.

But it’s not just businesses, as Sparks said he hopes farmers and others can also see breaks as part of a multi-faceted tax bill.

“Hopefully everyone can get a little relief,” Sparks said.