Income, Sin Taxes In Minnesota House Democrats Revenue Plan

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota House Democrats are looking to fetch $2.5 billion by raising taxes on people with high incomes, those who smoke and those who drink alcohol.

A tax package released Monday boosts those taxes to balance the budget, cut property taxes and increase school aid.

Including a temporary surcharge on top earners, Minnesota would carry the nation's third highest tax rate.

It echoes Gov. Mark Dayton's income tax push but differs in the details.

Under the House bill, smokers would pay $1.60 more per pack and drinkers would see their tab rise seven cents a beer, 47 cents per bottle of wine and $1.58 on each bottle of liquor.

A yet-finished Senate tax plan would expand the sales tax to some consumer services and clothing. That isn't in the House plan.