ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Two key House Democrats want to let counties impose higher sales taxes to avoid hiking property taxes.
Rep. Paul Marquart and Rep. Ann Lenczewski say their plan would save the state money and put counties in a better financial position.
Their bill would give counties the authority to raise sales taxes by a half cent per dollar, leveling out uneven city sales taxes except those in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth.
Voters could force a referendum on the increase by collecting signatures.
Marquart says he hopes for Gov. Tim Pawlenty's support. He notes the Republican governor approved a Hennepin County sales tax to pay for the Twins ballpark.
Pawlenty's spokesman had no immediate comment.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
