Ann Rest

Ann Rest is a prominent American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota State Senate, representing District 43. A member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), she has held various leadership roles within the Minnesota legislature, including her current position as Senate President pro tempore. Rest's political career is marked by her extensive experience in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, where she has focused on a range of issues including tax policy, commerce, transit, election laws, and housing policy.

Early life and career

Ann Rest was born on April 24, 1942. She completed her secondary education at Rich Township High School in Park Forest, Illinois, graduating in 1960. Following high school, she pursued higher education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin and Greek. Her academic journey continued at the University of Chicago, where she was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, leading to a Master of Arts degree in Latin and Greek. Rest furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard University, a master's degree in business taxation from the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, supported by a Bush Fellowship.

Rest relocated to Minnesota in 1970, where she initially worked as a high school teacher, instructing students in Latin and English. However, her teaching career was interrupted in 1979 when she was laid off. Following this setback, she transitioned into the field of tax policy and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a profession she practiced until her entry into politics.

Legislative service

Ann Rest began her political career in the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she was first elected in 1984. During her tenure in the House, she was re-elected multiple times, serving for a total of 16 years. Throughout her time in the House, she held several leadership positions, including assistant majority leader from 1989 to 1991. Additionally, she chaired the House Tax Committee from 1993 to 1997 and the House Local Government and Metropolitan Affairs Committee from 1997 to 1999.

In 2000, Rest transitioned to the Minnesota State Senate, where she has continued to serve her constituents. She has been re-elected several times, demonstrating her sustained support within her district. Her leadership roles in the Senate include serving as assistant majority leader from 2003 to 2007 and as Senate President Pro Tempore from 2013 to 2017 and again from 2023 to the present. In her current term, she is also actively involved in various committees, including serving as chair of the Taxes Committee and vice chair of the Rules Committee. Additionally, she chairs the Tax Expenditure Review Commission and is a member of the Legislative Audit Commission and the Capitol Preservation Commission.

Rest's legislative efforts have included significant initiatives such as requesting a special session of the legislature in 1997 to secure funding for a new Minnesota Twins stadium, although this session did not result in an agreement. Her long-standing commitment to public service is reflected in her involvement in various legislative committees and commissions, where she has worked on issues critical to her constituents and the state.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Minnesota State Senate, Ann Rest represents District 43, which encompasses parts of the western suburbs of Hennepin County in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Her policy focus is broad, with particular emphasis on tax policy, commerce, transit, election laws, and housing. Throughout her legislative career, Rest has been recognized for her expertise in tax-related matters, having chaired several relevant committees and commissions.

In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Rest has been active in various governmental and community organizations. She is a member of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and has served on the Executive Committee's Task Force on State and Local Taxation for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Her past leadership roles include serving as president of the Streamline Sales Tax Governing Board and participating in the Minnesota Statehood Sesquicentennial Commission from 2006 to 2008.

Rest's commitment to public service extends beyond her legislative duties. She has been involved in the Minnesota Capitol Area Architectural Planning Board and the Capitol Preservation Commission, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of Minnesota's governmental infrastructure. Furthermore, she serves as a Minnesota delegate to the Great Lakes Commission and was a founding member of the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus, where she has held leadership positions.

In her personal life, Rest is known to be a dedicated fan of the Minnesota Twins, having supported the team since her childhood. Her passion for the team reflects her deep-rooted connection to Minnesota and its communities.

Throughout her career, Ann Rest has demonstrated a commitment to serving her constituents and addressing the challenges facing her district and the state of Minnesota. Her extensive experience in education, tax policy, and public administration has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of state governance and advocate for the needs of her community.