Minn. Business Leaders Prepare For DFL In Charge

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton's chief of staff is telling Minnesota's business leaders that tax increases must be part of solving the state's chronic budget problems.

Tina Smith filled in Wednesday for the ailing governor at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner marking the start of the legislative session. Many business groups and executives are viewing the 2013 session with a wary eye as Democrats take total control of state government for the first time since 1990.

At the Capitol, Democratic lawmakers have already begun to introduce tax measures. The first batch of bills filed Wednesday include proposals to add the sales tax to clothing purchases above $200 and to online purchases. Another would automatically link increases in the state's minimum wage to inflation.

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