Official Warns GOP Budget Cuts Could Mean Tax Return Delays

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota's top tax official says deep cuts to state
budgets could result in months-long delays to tax returns next year.

Republicans who control the Legislature have laid out some major cuts to state
agencies including the Department of Revenue. That's the agency that processes
tax filings annually.

Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly said Tuesday that plotted cuts of more than $10
million to her budget could delay tax returns for Minnesota residents by several
months. Republicans have argued that state government spending has grown too
fast. This year's tax returns would not be affected.

Those bills are only the first step in a budget that will eventually be
negotiated with Gov. Mark Dayton. Dayton's administration is pushing back
against the GOP's budget plans, saying they would harm services that Minnesotans
rely upon.