Posted on 03/31/2007 1:36:32 PM PDT by Son House
On a 35-29 vote, the Minnesota Senate gave preliminary approval this morning to a nearly $1 billion income tax increase that would boost taxes
Seven DFL senators, mostly from swing districts, joined Republicans in opposing the bill, saying that the proposed new top tax rate of 9.7 percent was just a little too rich.
“We’re pushing it (tax increases) a little hard this year,” said Sen. John Doll, DFL-Burnsville, who replaced a Republican in last fall’s elections. “I do have lots of folks who would be affected by this and it puts an extra burden on them.”
Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, called the bill an “investment in the future bill,” because it would provide for sizeable increases in funding for K-12, preschool and higher education and property tax relief.
The bill would create a top income tax rate that would kick in at federally adjusted gross incomes of $250,000 for couples and $141,250 for singles. Income below those thresholds would continue to pay the existing three rates for Minnesota income tax.
Acknowledging the bill’s controversial nature — Republicans spoke for nearly two hours against it this morning — Pogemiller said that years of recession and budget cuts had brought the state to a crossroads.
“Will this generation pay the price?” he asked during Senate debate. “Will we do the hard thing? Will we talk to Minnesotans honestly about what the real choices are for our children?”
Republicans have called the bill a job-killer and said it would drive the wealthiest residents out of the state.
House DFLers have a similar income tax proposal pending although their top rate is only 9 percent and is designed to fall mostly on incomes above $1 million.
Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty has pledged to veto any income tax increase.
(Excerpt) Read more at startribune.com ...
I am - house is already bought. ;)
GEEZE!!! OUTRAGEOUS exercise of confiscation by wrong-headed pols in liberal Minnesota!!!
So, Minnesota, SHUT THE F UP AND TAKE IT. YOU ASKED FOR IT!!
Please refrain from lumping the majority of the state in with the localized metro of Minneapolis/St. Paul. It's frustrating for those of us that actually love this state.
If you're unable to do that, please feel free to segregate yourselves in a corner somewhere and self-fornicate.
Stick it pal. Your state has been socialists for decades. If you cannot correct it, shut up. The voter win and in your state there are more socialist's than conservatives. Go play with yourself.
9.7%...holy crap....I guess there ain't no end to doin good and more taxes is just the proper way to go about fixin that problem.
True. If we get enough conservatives in Nevada, then maybe we can give Harry Ried a scare....;)
Follow your own damned advice. It's not your problem, and you obviously can't do anything about it either-- except to impugn those of us that are actually trying.
What a flipping putz.
Sure socialist, enjoy your socialism pal.
Well, based on your posting history, that was pretty expected.
Not all of us simply flee from a state when we don't agree with everything going on.
Best of luck to you, though-- hope no one ever has to count on you for anything... except foul-mouthed rhetoric, of course.
but you know what - soon, there will be no place left to run to. that's why I stay in NY - whatever problems we have here - its coming to where everyone else is eventually.
No, but those that are successful and make more than $250K certainly will....
Right up until the time they leave the state.
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