Minn. Senate passes tax bill with additional cuts

The Minnesota Senate has given approval to another $101 million in tax breaks, but the array of relief differs from a House version.

Thursday's 57-6 vote sets up final tax negotiations with House tax writers. Both chambers are led by Democrats.

The Senate bill expands a sales tax exemption for local governments to those that coordinate services across boundaries. It adds to city and county tax exemptions approved a year ago. The bill also provides tax credits for volunteer firefighters, credits for parents who hire reading tutors and assistance to counties on the front-lines of the aquatic invasive species battle.

A House bill focuses tax relief on beefing up refund programs connected to the property tax. That chamber's bill has a similar size.

Negotiations will commence after Easter.

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