Talkin' taxes in Red Wing

Residents wanting to weigh in on Minnesota's tax system will get their chance tonight at a town hall in Red Wing.

Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans is hosting the event at 6 p.m. in the Red Wing City Council Chambers at City Hall. The goal is to brainstorm ideas for reforming Minnesota's tax system. This is part of a series of town halls being held across the state. Information gathered from these events will be used to help DFL Gov. Mark Dayton put together his own tax reform proposal.

There's been plenty of talk about taxes in the lead up to the upcoming legislative session. With DFL majorities in the House and Senate, the governor has a chance to push through his proposal to raise income taxes on the state's wealthiest residents. In a St Paul Pioneer Press article, the governor said he is also interested in extending the sales tax to services and lowering the overall rate to help provide property tax relief. He also wants to lower the state's corporate income tax rate.

I'm planning to cover tonight's town hall and will have a story on the ideas discussed.