Government

MN Governor Says the Rich in His State Should Pay New Taxes Because ‘I Know People Can Afford It’

ST. PAUL, Minn. (The Blaze/AP) — Mark Dayton, the Democratic governor of Minnesota who let his state’s government shutdown rather than accept the refusal of Republican lawmakers to raise income taxes on the wealthy, was born into money.

It made him sure of something: “I grew up in that environment. I know people can afford it.”

Most of Minnesota state government stands idle this weekend, the result of Dayton’s and the GOP-controlled state legislature‘s failure to pass a new budget by Friday’s deadline. State parks and the Minnesota Zoo are closed, highway projects are stalled and thousands of government workers are at home without pay for the foreseeable future.

The battle over the state budget in Minnesota echoes those underway in Washington and in other state capitals, as Republicans still energized from gains in 2010 focus on cutting spending and refuse to consider tax increases of any kind. New GOP governors such as New Jersey‘s Chris Christie and Florida’s Rick Scott have made deep cuts in state programs and employee benefits, while even some of Dayton’s fellow Democratic governors, such as New York’s Andrew Cuomo, have eschewed tax hikes amid a fragile economic recovery.

The soft-spoken Dayton refuses to cave to the GOP’s stance that higher taxes are verboten. Since taking office, he has championed tax hikes on rich Minnesotans — or at least some form of new state revenue — as a necessary part of any solution to closing the state’s $5 billion budget deficit.

“My father’s favorite quote was from the Bible: ‘Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required,’” Dayton told The Associated Press on Friday afternoon in his Capitol office. The front doors to the domed building were newly adorned with signs: “This building closed until further notice due to the state government service interruption.”

Dayton’s great-grandfather founded a Minneapolis-based dry goods store and along with family members built it into the department store chain that’s now Target Corp. The Dayton family no longer controls the company, but it left Mark Dayton a wealthy man who’s spent large chunks of his fortune on a quirky political career that took him to the U.S. Senate (he quit after one term) and now, at 64, to the state’s top political office.

Dayton decried the spending cuts that would likely be necessary without more tax money in Minnesota: “We’re going to cut home health care attendants for seniors? We’re going to deny elderly widows the at-home services they rely on? All so that millionaires do not have to pay another dollar in taxes?” he asked.

Last week, President Barack Obama echoed Dayton when he called for upper-bracket income tax increases as a means of shrinking the country’s debt. Obama even used a term Dayton has repeated like a mantra: A “balanced approach” to describe a mix of tax increases and spending cuts they both have said is the surest way to restore stability to government budgeting.

“I do think Democrats around the country are looking for models of courage, and strong leaders they can use as a model,” said Jeff Blodgett, a longtime friend who was an adviser to one of Dayton’s closest allies, the late Sen. Paul Wellstone. “He isn’t afraid to be honest and direct about his principles.”

Dayton stands now as the heir to Minnesota’s long line of successful liberal Democrats, a tree that includes Wellstone and former vice presidents Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale. Mondale, who was mocked in the 1984 presidential campaign against President Ronald Reagan for saying he would raise taxes, is a political patron of Dayton’s.

Mondale lost badly, and Reagan went on to raise taxes. On the first day of Minnesota’s shutdown, Mondale recalled his 40-year friendship with Dayton and said he hoped to see him win his tax fight.

“He was green at first. I think he was insecure at first,” Mondale said. “It took him a while to get his feet under him, and it seems like it‘s all come together in the governor’s seat. It seems like he was made for it and he’s going to do it.”

Minnesota state government has shutdown twice in the last six years. Former Minnesota Governor and current GOP 2012 presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty presided over a nine-day shutdown in 2005, and has since applauded Republican state legislators for holding firm against tax hikes pushed by Democrats.

Comments (307)

1 2 3 ... 10
  • 338lapua
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:07pm

    This “new and improved” format really SUCKS

    Report Post »  
  • Want our country back
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:06pm

    I own a 3 bedroom house and there are only 2 of us living here, should 2 more people come in & live here because I happen to be lucky enough to have a large house….. this argument is ridiculous.

    Sorry off topic but:
    Get rid of the illegals…. sorry, not my fault that they chose to break the law and might have to face being deported…. by the way what ever happened to that illegal that worked for Meg Whitman…. Nickey somebody…. do she stay after her tearful moment on television trying to derail Meg’s campaign.

    Report Post » Want our country back  
  • streetrodder
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:05pm

    The rich can also aford to move, then Minn. won’t get any of there money. Its not Minn’s money, at least not yet. 4 more years of oboso and that might change.

    Report Post »  
  • 338lapua
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:05pm

    Where are all my little troll friends?
    Why am I limited to an original post?
    Boy, this sure fosters a conversation.
    WAY TO GO BLAZE

    Report Post »  
  • TomFerrari
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:05pm

    It is not a matter of whether they can afford it.
    Just because they can afford it, does not make it okay for you to TAKE IT and spend it irresponsibly.
    Before you go TAKING MORE MONEY from ANYBODY,
    you better be DARN SURE you have cut EVERY penny of FAT from the existing budget.
    Laziness and catering to your base IS NOT JUSTIFICATION for TAKING MORE MONEY from anyone, let alone the very people who are paying the most to begin with!

    You TAX AND SPEND LIBERALS (on BOTH sides of the aisle) are the EXACT REASON we are in this mess to begin with!!!!!

    Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • sbenard
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:42pm

      My thoughts exactly. The question isn’t how much you can steal from them. It’s whether is it WRONG to steal from them. Stealing is still stealing, whether I use my hands or my vote to do it!

      It says something fundamental about the politicians willing to do it, and also about the people willing to use their votes to do it!

      Report Post » sbenard  
  • Michael
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:04pm

    If they would set up a tax code that demands a fair share fromt he rich instead of giving them the loopholes that allows them to get away with millions, it would probably solve most of their problems. Fair share taxes would sound good to me. Have a set tax rate.

    Report Post »  
    • Viet Vet
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:51pm

      Michael, loop holes or none, after whatever is in place is applied, the “evil rich” are paying way more than their fair share. The top 10% of wage earners pay 60% of federal income taxes. And Minnesota is a welfare state so they are going to be in that same area. And it goes beyond just that too, as many of these people have businesses that provide jobs, products and services. Gawd there are a lot of marxists in this country. That’s gotta change.

      Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:59pm

      Micheal

      Sorry to disillusion you, but the rich already pay their own plus pay for the 49% who pays nothing. I think they are already paying enough, don’t you?

      Report Post » booger71  
  • 338lapua
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:03pm

    Wh

    Report Post »  
  • llotus
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:55pm

    I think he may be saying that he can afford it. All that can aford to pay higher taxes should be alowed to if they wish. Did this guy not see how hard it was for obama to fill positions in the gov.?They were tax cheats. Geitner too, only he stayed. The tax cheat party wants to raise taxes? They dont entend for it to reach their stash. I saw on the home page where hilly is still wantin contributions to pay off her campaign debt. Now… thats funny. These people never get enough money or power. The root of all evil. Lotus.

    Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:52pm

    Hey Blaze. your reply function stinks, we now can’t reply directly to peoples post. Way to go Huffpo Nazis.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • Ultracurmudgeon
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:51pm

    What people can afford isn’t the real issue, It’s the liberal agenda to get more and more people thinking of the government as their “Savior” so they will have a larger voter base. Will we as taxpayers who are paying the government elected servants allow this to continue? I think this is the real issue!

    Report Post » Ultracurmudgeon  
  • Outlaw_Josey_Wales
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:48pm

    I think bullets should be tax deductible.

    Report Post » Outlaw_Josey_Wales  
    • llotus
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:01pm

      Outlaw…..I think they are tax deductable. If you are using them for the right thing. Lotus.

      Report Post »  
  • Justthefactsmam
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:47pm

    Someday, probably shortly after Jan. 20th, 2013, all the dumbocrats will see that Conservative means are the best way to run a government. Smaller government, lower taxes, less regulations etc. Maybe they will open their eyes (yeah right) and look at the fact that Blue States are going broke at breakneck speeds, and Red States are in the black, lower taxes, lower unemployment, less regulations on business and their states are growing like ganbusters. Maybe (in a perfect world) they woould look at history and see that everytime Government Spending has been cut, and taxes have been cut, the economy BOOMS!!! Do ya see a pattern there??

    Report Post » Justthefactsmam  
  • jimay
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:43pm

    Dayton has been saying the same thing since his campaign.
    It is based on an OLD research report that used 2006 data to study tax incidence in MN.
    Nobody in the media has apparently read this report. It’s a laughable piece of sophistry. The fact that Dayton hangs his political star on this analysis speaks to his inability to understand reports like this.

    Report Post »  
  • SavingtheRepublic.com
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:41pm

    ^____^____^
    Well Im going to say it b/c NO ONE not even Glenn is saying it. I hope all you rich conservative folks are taking note of what is going on. You are the enemy in the faces of the progressive destroyers of the US.

    You have a few choices to make:
    1) Leave/ move your wealth out of the country being sure not to violate any laws that have been put in place recently ;) ;)
    2) Stay and pay
    3) Get yourself a smart tax attorney/accountant who will know how to take advantage of the 80,000pg tax code and to keep as much as possible legally. IT CAN BE DONE!!! (I say keep the tax code in place it has countless loopholes in place created for and by crooked politicians… ya know the ones who dont pay. So why not take advantage of their laws too?!)
    OR
    4) Take a page from Soros’ playbook and START HELPING THOSE OF US who are fighting the “war” Some of us are broke yet right on the front lines fighting the progressive machine, for a possible future of success and happiness that is now under threat. You made it, you go it all, but be advised the monsters want to take the fruits of your blood sweat and tears! If you care enough but arent involved then as I stated Im calling you out to start funding those of us taking this fight to the radicals front door. Nothing is free, including freedom!

    So are you going to give in, run away, stay and fight and start funding the movement to preserve capitalism and the American way of life. http://tinyurl.com/3tg4s98

    Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
  • timej31
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:38pm

    The rich are public union employees with their cushy pensions and benefits. That is rich.

    Report Post » timej31  
  • BJC
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:38pm

    quote from the Bible: ‘Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required,’”
    Now read it again….it says to whom much is “given” Most people work for their money so it is not “given” to them.
    Now for the leeches of society that much is “given”, yes more should be required!!!

    Report Post »  
    • nomodimcrats
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 12:20pm

      This is good and I confirm that MUCH MORE SHOULD BE REQUIRED OF THOSE THAT TODAY, “ARE GIVEN A FREE LIVING FOR DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!”

      They make me ill as I’m 55 year old entrepreneur and have worked my A$$ off for what I have and I’m NOT greedy for wanting to save what I have!

      Report Post »  
  • Fly Old Glory 24/7 365
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:38pm

    has absolutly nothing to do with who can afford it. This guy is the Governor and does not understand that?

    Report Post »  
  • Docrow
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:37pm

    Just because somebody can “afford it” does not make it right. They have worked hard for it just like everybody else. Government(s) will learn to live with in their means one way or another.

    Report Post » Docrow  
  • TheGreyPiper
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:37pm

    REVERE1

    So– do you pay The Blaze for advertising space on here?

    BECAUSE YA SHOULD.

    Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • Notifitsnot
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:56am

      How so? What’s your point…that REVERE 1 is not allowed to voice his opinion on the blogs. You’ve just done so have you not?

      Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:36pm

    Just another case of those with wealth trying to keep others from aquiring the same. Who is he to say what anyone can “afford” .. he and his ilk should donate ALL they have to government and then see how much they “need”. .

    TEA!

    Report Post »  
  • ThoreauHD
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:32pm

    Communisms a helluva drug.

    Report Post » ThoreauHD  
  • carolinaconservative
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:30pm

    What an idiot! Neighboring states with Republican Govs. and majority Republican state houses are slowly righting their fiscal problems. Hopefully in the next year the US will also do the same. WE HAVE GOT TO GET THAT JOKER OUT!

    Report Post » carolinaconservative  
  • Rearden Steel
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:27pm

    From each, according to his ability, to each according to their need.

    Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:45pm

      My needs are to keep more of what I earn.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Showtime
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:06pm

      This sums up the whole thing:
      http://thepatriotsnews.com/indx.php/content/175

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Professional Infidel
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:14pm

      such BS, makes me sick to read this, anywhere. how about “All you can be” and feel like a man for taking care of your self and family, and neighborhood. not havein some smuck like you steel it!!! for worthless, clueless, and undesirving health me!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • beans bullets and bandaids
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 9:35pm

      Reardon, you should keep reading down into chapter 5. No one was FORCED to do this. They GAVE freely. The Romans didn’t take it from them as a tax. It was not taken as Temple Tax. They freely gave.

      In Acts 5:4, Peter told Ananias, after Ananias lied about some money from a property sale:

      4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? (Peter did not consider it the Church’s)

      Your quote from 2:45 is about charity and voluntary community, not taxation. It was not imposed.

      Report Post »  
    • Hoppy
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 2:23pm

      I don’t have much in the way of time, ability, talent, money or other resources to contribute, but I REALLY NEED a Lamborghini.

      Report Post » Hoppy  
  • kuhl
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:24pm

    What an idiot. You tax people ONLY to provide for the common defense and open commerce, NOT because “people can afford it”. That kind of thinking is why we are ni this mess now. If you tax people just because you believe they can afford it, yuo are “spreading the wealth” and are in clear violation of both the State and Federal Constitution.

    Report Post »  
  • canuck44
    Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:23pm

    Big talk for a slug with income from a Trust based in South Dakota.

    He would never consider the opposite…the State needs to cut spending because the taxpayers can’t afford even the current rate.

    Report Post »  
    • Revere1
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:31pm

      I think it’s fair to say Pawlenty was a better MN governor than that guy. http://www.elephantwatcher.com/2011/06/is-tim-pawlentys-campaign-schizophrenic.html

      Revere1  
    • jimay
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:51pm

      Pawlenty went in with a lot of fire, but didn’t accomplish as much as he could since the legislature was in the opposite party during his time there. That said, Pawlenty actually worked as Governor to govern the state and see to it that the wheels turned. Dayton is clueless. He showed up very late in the session of his first term with his slate of commissioners. Little useful transition work was accomplished. Negotiations consist of repeatedly saying no. There’s just no comparison.
      We‘ve never had a truly atrocious governor in the years I’ve lived in MN. Perpich was a little odd. Ventura had the good sense to delegate the work to people who would actually get it done.
      Even his own party seems a little reluctant to support his dogmatic inflexibility.

      Report Post »  
    • jorge_washington
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:15pm

      When Tim Pawlenty left the state as governor he left it with a large deficit. Think about that when you’re voting for him. The state needs income. That income comes in the form of taxes. They are taxing only people making over a million dollars. The republican control in the state legislature would rather cut services to people instead of raising taxes on the wealthiest.

      Questioning with BOLDNESS.

      Report Post »  
    • neocon1
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:22pm

      what a pant load of crap

      Report Post »  
    • lylejk
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:25pm

      I agree with Jorge; that‘s why I can’t support Tim. I won’t support Romney either. Pretty much left with Michelle and Herman. I don’t trust Rick (if he desides to run) because of his associations with the Bilderbergs; even with that, though, I would vote any Republican over what we have now. :)

      Report Post » lylejk  
    • Viet Vet
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 6:12pm

      jorge_washington, that‘s what you’re supposed to do, if you are spending more than you are bringing in, you cut spending, you cut services. The “evil rich” are already paying way more than their fair share, we know from study after study for a couple of decades. Plus they are many times businesses, that provide jobs, products and services. The proper way to raise revenues in a free enterprise economic country is to expand the tax base, and you do that by keeping taxes low, which creates a good business climate, attracting business to your state. Also it gives incentive for existing businesses to expand and increase jobs. This means more wealth for everyone, including the government through increased tax revenues via an expanded tax base.

      Report Post »  
    • dscon
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 6:49pm

      jorge_washington,

      load of crap dude.

      Report Post »  
    • discus02
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 9:14pm

      Pawlenty was a republican in name only, he was like a horses butt!

      Report Post »  
    • michael48
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 3:15pm

      and a abundance of ENVY….they‘re RICH you’re NOT …they’ll leave and you CANNOT…now move right along Comrade…do as you’re TOLD…

      Report Post »  
    • goobert
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 6:42pm

      And you live where? Not in Minnesota I assume. The only reason we have a government shutdown no matter what is because we have it apart of our state constitution. Pawlenty was just as big as a progressive as my current Governor. I like how your site doesnt even give Ron Paul any credibility at all.

      Report Post » goobert  
    • Ironmaan
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:34pm

      As though the ability to “afford it” makes a difference. Hey Governer, ITS NOT YOUR MONEY! Quit spending like drunken sailors and you won’t have a problem.
      http://guerillatics.com

      Report Post »  
    • williamm
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:03pm

      Drunken Sailors spend their own money.

      Report Post »  
    • ARIZONA VETERAN
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:28pm

      I am offended by the drunken sailor remark, AT LEAST DRUNKEN SAILORS SPEND THEIR OWN MONEY!!!!!!

      Report Post » ARIZONA VETERAN  
    • discus02
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:31pm

      Ditto Arizona Vet from a Minnesota Viet Nam Vet. Did we actually fight for these slugs!

      Report Post »  
    • joefboschsr
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 2:15am

      How about instead of slamming the governor for being stupid we praise the Republicans for being steadfast in their beliefs ?

      Report Post » joefboschsr  
    • zedhoo
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 10:39am

      drunken sailors only spend their own money…this idiot is worse by far

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:44pm

      Why do pols. always say what I can afford, do they live in my household? Do they help me earn my paycheck? Stay out of my pockets.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • LadyLirpa
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:02pm

      And my body, too! And how about my marriage, while we’re at it?

      Report Post » LadyLirpa  
    • The Big Pickle
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:51pm

      This is the WORST message board ever…are you people FN morons! My second grader can make a better message board, you GD dolts!

      Report Post » The Big Pickle  
    • betterthantv
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:54pm

      Umm. This is a NEWS site. NOT a message board or blog

      Report Post » betterthantv  
    • tifosa
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 6:19pm

      aka the Gipper option.

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Viet Vet
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 6:24pm

      TIFOSA, that’s right, Mr Reagan cut the top taxrate from 72% to 42% and increased revenues from $500 billion to a $Trillion by increasing the tax base.

      Report Post »  
    • tbconrad
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 6:34pm

      So true. Maybe we need to start letting some of these States fall into ruin. There are plenty of states with pro business attitudes. I hope they start packing up and leaving.

      Report Post »  
    • obama-mecca-me-sick
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 6:41pm

      Like Obama this guys a dick.

      Report Post »  
    • avenger
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:12pm

      fk him..

      Report Post »  
    • TheCenturion
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 10:35pm

      Yeah, wow, who would a thunk it? Another socialist in the democrap party.

      Report Post »  
    • drattastic
      Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:26pm

      Democrats never tire of spending other peoples money.

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • Bum thrower
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 9:53am

      He can start by chipping in first; how‘s that ’hope and change‘ working out for all you ’big governemt’ types. The change I wanna see is ‘former bureaucrats’ in the unemployment line!!

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 12:10pm

      REPEAL ALL TAXES!!! Federal, State and Local!!! NOW

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 9:18pm

      .
      Maybe a few democrats will see how the state has it’s eye on all their money too!
      Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie.
      You earned it, I want it.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
1 2 3 ... 10

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