Minnesota Legislature's 2007 session

Does Minnesota state government need more money?

This week on Midday, we've been focusing on the tax debate underway at the state Capitol. DFL legislators want to add a fourth tier to the state income tax; one that would affect high-income Minnesotans. The House wants to set that new tax rate at 9 percent. The Senate is proposing an even steeper rate of 9.7 percent. The governor, and Republicans, say they are opposed to any increase.

Of course, legislators are back home this week for their Easter-Passover break, talking with their constituents about taxes and spending, and those conversations will almost certainly affect what happens at the Capitol when legislators return next week.

Guests

• Larry Pogemiller: Senate majority leader, DFL-Minneapolis.
• Marty Seifert: House minority leader, R-Marshall.

More from MPR

• Do taxes and government spending help or hurt the economy?
  April 3, 2007
• House Speaker Kelliher and Senate Minority Leader Senjem on taxes
  April 2, 2007
• Think taxes are bad? Watch the fees
  April 4, 2007
• Legislature's spring break arrives; Stormy summer may be ahead
  April 2, 2007
• Minn. Senate votes to raise income taxes on highest-paid
  March 31, 2007
• Legislative session coming down to one question: Who pays?
  March 30, 2007