House follows Senate in rejecting Dayton's income-tax plan

The Minnesota House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to reject Gov. Mark Dayton's proposal to raise income taxes on the wealthy.

The Democratic governor calls the vote -- and an earlier one in the state Senate -- political game-playing as he tussles with Republicans over how to fix the state's $5 billion budget shortfall.

Republicans brought up Dayton's plan for floor votes Thursday even though their members unanimously oppose it. They say debate must start on his plan to create a fourth income tax bracket on top earners.

Republicans say income tax increases are terrible for Minnesota businesses.

Democrats say Thursday's vote is premature until the proposal can be introduced properly and debated in committee.

Dayton harshly criticized the Republicans' maneuver as a "charade" and compared Republican lawmakers to junior high students.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)