Tax reform

Growth and Justice put forward a tax reform plan that got some bipartisan support. It would raise income taxes on the top personal income earners, while reducing business taxes. To which I say, hear hear.

Minnesota tax incidence studies show that the top wage earners pay less as a percentage of their income in all taxes (state & local) than the middle class. Raising taxes on these top earners, making more than a quarter of a million dollars a year, would level out the system.

At the same time, our business taxes are comparatively high. Most of these taxes are passed on to consumers or employees through higher prices or lower wages. As long as we can ensure that people don't abuse the system by setting up phony businesses to hide their income, I would have no problem with looking at the business tax system and making reductions.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that we have enough money for education, transportation, and other important programs, while helping our businesses.