Dayton ‘Disappointed’ Over Minnesota Session Deal

ST. PAUL (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says he's disappointed that he and lawmakers couldn't find a way to scrap a new tax on farm equipment repairs before calling a special session confined to approving aid for storm damage.

Dayton agreed Wednesday to call a one-day session to approve assistance for as many as 20 counties. Fellow Democrats and top Republicans couldn't come to terms on other taxes to repeal in the Sept. 9 session.

By his account, the farm tax was accidentally included in the new state budget. He says it doesn't make sense because farm equipment purchases and parts remain exempt from taxes while repairs carry an extra charge.

He supported immediate repeal of that tax but not an array of other new sales taxes Republicans wanted dumped.