Dayton: Recess is over

Governor Mark Dayton is accusing Republicans of political game playing after they put his tax plan up for a vote today in the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House.

Republicans said they knew there was bipartisan opposition to Dayton's plan to increase income taxes on top earners, and they wanted to get that opposition on record. Dayton sent a letter to DFLers prior to the vote urging them to reject the GOP amendment to end what he termed a "charade." Dayton later told reporters that Republicans were wasting their time.

"We've had a responsible relationship up until now, a respectful relationship," Dayton said. "But I'm starting to feel like back when I was teaching 9th graders. Recess is over. Time to stop playing games. Time to get to work."

Republicans argue that Dayton's plan would hurt small business owners, and slow the state's economic recovery.

Update: The House unanimously rejected the proposal 131-0.

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