Governor Committed to Tax Plan, Despite Surplus

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Gov. Mark Dayton says he's not giving up his long-range plan to raise taxes on wealthy residents, despite a new revelation of a state budget surplus.

Dayton says his plan to raise taxes on millionaires will "lead in to the 2013 session, regardless of the outcome of the election." The governor says he'll focus on job growth and government reform in 2012.

After campaigning and winning on a platform that promoted higher taxes for the wealthy, Dayton stuck with the plan through a deficit year and three-week summer government shutdown.

Republicans, who hold majorities in the House and Senate, are strongly opposed to higher taxes, saying it will drive those who create jobs out of Minnesota.

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