Howes Suggests a Metro-Rural Rift over LGA

State Representative Larry Howes of Walker is joining with fellow Republicans in opposing Governor Dayton's call for higher income taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans.  The Governor has suggested the hike as one way of dealing with a $6.2 billion revenue shortfall.

Democrats fear if the income tax doesn't go up for the wealthiest Minnesotans, then property taxes will go up for everyone, including those least able to afford it.

Representative Howes says there should be Local Government Aid for some cities, but not all.   He says the small cities in his district have been responsible in spending LGA, but Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester have not.

Howes says there could be a battle brewing between metro and greater Minnesota lawmakers over who will get the aid.