Dayton eyes tax help for low-income families, child care

Governor Mark Dayton enters a press conference.
Governor Mark Dayton enters a press conference in this Nov. 9, 2016 file photo, at the State Capitol in St Paul.
Glen Stubbe | Star Tribune via AP 2016

Gov. Mark Dayton wants to see tax relief for low-income families, parents with child care costs and farmers.

The governor unveiled his proposal Thursday for a $300 million tax bill in 2017 just days after the Legislative session began. But Dayton's vision for how to dedicate part of a $1.4 billion budget surplus to tax relief will hinge on Republicans who control both chambers of the Legislature.

Dayton is aiming to expand a child-care tax credit to 95,000 more families and increase the yearly credits for low-income earners. It would be the first tax bill in years if it's passed. Dayton vetoed a similar package in 2016 due to a costly wording error.

House Tax Chair Greg Davids says he likes some parts but says Republicans will do it differently.

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