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Democrats in the Minnesota House are marking the anniversary of last summer's state government shutdown with a warning that it could happen again.

House Minority Leader Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, blamed majority Republicans for causing the 20-day shutdown by refusing to compromise with DFL Gov. Mark Dayton on the budget. Dayton wanted an income tax increase on top earners, and GOP leaders didn't. During a news conference today, Thissen said Democrats would avoid another shutdown and offer better priorities if they win control of the House in November. He said taxes would be on the table.

"That's coming up with a tax system that's fairer and more simple," Thissen said. "If that includes tax increases on some and tax decreases on others, like reducing property taxes, that's something I think we need to have a discussion about."

House Majority Leader Matt Dean, R-Dellwood, said he's convinced Minnesotans believe that holding the line on taxes last year was the right decision. Dean also questioned the DFL campaign strategy.

"When I hear Rep. Thissen out saying that there's not enough bipartisanship, and the way to solve that is to get rid of Republicans, I think the average guy is going to shake his head and say that sounds like more politics as usual," Dean said.

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