Dayton says 'State of State' tonight will promote budget
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton says he'll use his State of the State address to explain and defend his budget proposal.
Dayton says his speech will clarify misconceptions about his tax proposals. He'll frame his budget as a tough but necessary way to solve the state's $1.1 billion deficit while investing in other priorities like education.
He's due to give his third annual address before the Legislature at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The governor wants to use additional revenue from an upper-income tax hike and an expansion of state sales taxes to help erase the deficit. He would also pump new money into schools, expand medical assistance and give out $500 property tax rebate checks.
Some of those tax changes have triggered criticism from state business owners and executives.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.