Minn. Senate Rejects Dayton Income-Tax Plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Minnesota Senate has overwhelmingly rejected Gov. Mark Dayton's proposal to raise income taxes on the wealthy, but the Democratic governor called the vote political game-playing as he tussles with Republicans over how to fix the state's $5 billion budget shortfall.

Republicans brought up Dayton's plan for a floor vote Thursday even though their members unanimously oppose it. Republicans say they need to start debating his plan to create a fourth income tax bracket on top earners.

Republican senators say income tax increases on the wealthy are terrible for Minnesota businesses.

Democrats say Thursday's vote is premature until the proposal can be introduced properly and debated in committee. Dayton blasted the Republicans' maneuver as "juvenile political theater" and asked Democrats to vote against it too, and all but one did.

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