Dayton issues budget challenge
DFL gubernatorial candidate Mark Dayton is challenging his opponents to explain how they would solve a projected $5.8 billion state budget deficit.
Dayton says other candidates have criticized his proposal to raise income taxes on the state's wealthiest residents without offering their own specifics. During a news conference today (Thursday), Dayton said it's time for all DFL, Republican and Independence Party candidates to level with voters about how much they would raise from taxes and how much they would cut from state spending.
"They say they're ready to lead from day one, however, it's been months since they became candidates for governor," Dayton said. "And they've offered only pablum and platitudes. Saying they're for reform or balance is not an answer. It's ducking the issue."
DFL candidate Matt Entenza's campaign released a statement calling Dayton's proposal a "politically impossible tax hike." Entenza claims he has always been straight with voters about fiscal realities.
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UPDATE
Margaret Anderson Kelliher, the DFL endorsed candidate, said she already has a solid outline for balancing the budget, which will include tax increases for only people making more than $250,000. Kelliher criticized the approach of Dayton, as well as Republican candidate Tom Emmer.
"Mark Dayton's plan to raise taxes on middle class families and senior citizens, and Tom Emmer's plan to slash schools, health care, and police and fire services are unrealistic and irresponsible," Kelliher said.
Tom Emmer's campaign said he will have a framework for solving the budget deficit after his summer listening tour. Emmer is the only candidate who says he won't raise taxes.
Tom Horner, the Independence Party's endorsed candidate, said he's already released mnay budget specifics.
"I'm the only candidate who is providing details of a balanced approach to fixing the budget," Horner said. "A balanced approach that includes tax reform, spending reductions and government redesign."