House Republicans to Seek $2-Billion in Tax Cuts

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota House Republicans say they'll strive for $2 billion in still-unspecified tax cuts in a budget that would squeeze spending primarily in health and welfare programs.

The GOP majority outlined broad targets Tuesday in what is essentially an opening bid toward upcoming negotiations with Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and majority Senate Democrats. The GOP plan would hold the state's two-year budget under $40 billion, although that doesn't count a special transportation account they proposed Monday.

House Speaker Kurt Daudt says a goal is to slow down the growth of state government. The plan is roughly $3 billion slimmer than Dayton's budget. Senate Democrats will issue a framework this week.

Democratic Rep. Paul Thissen accused Republicans of using phony math to obscure what could be genuine hardship for the poorest residents.