Dayton: It's time for GOP to present budget plan

Gov. Mark Dayton says it's time for Republicans in charge of the state Legislature to present a budget plan tackling the state's $5 billion budget deficit.

Finance officials reduced the projected deficit by $1. 2 billion dollars Monday and the governor adjusted his plan to account for the change. Dayton said he needs to see details of a GOP plan so the two sides can find places to compromise.

"Here I have a $6.2 billion dollar deficit now to $5 billion," Dayton said on MPR's Midday program. "I've solved it without raising income or property taxes by one dollar on 95 percent of the people of Minnesota."

Dayton said that unless that 95 percent own a home worth more than a $1 million, they won't pay one more of state imposed property tax.

"I welcome the Republicans attempt to do better than that if they can," he said.

Gov. Dayton has withdrawn a proposal for a temporary surcharge on the state's wealthiest residents. But, he still wants to raise income taxes on the top 5 percent of earners. Republicans say they can balance the budget by holding the line on spending.

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