A Fee Here, A Fee There In Dayton’s Minnesota Budget

ST. PAUL  (AP) -- A closer look at Gov. Mark Dayton's budget reveals a smattering of fee increases on Minnesota consumers and industry professionals more likely to pass than his giant income tax proposal.

Extra fees on nurses, boxers, hunters and pharmacists would raise millions of dollars for state programs. Dayton is also proposing an increase in the tax on car rentals.

Much of the money from the fees and car tax would go into dedicated accounts, connecting the money raised to a service offered.

The budget fine print also shows Dayton, a Democrat, is pegging signature programs of just-departed Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty for reduction or elimination. Two of Pawlenty's banner education initiatives face cuts.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)