Thank you for taxes?

By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune

Last update: April 15, 2009 - 9:45 AM

Normally, the annual arrival of tax day isn't considered a cause for celebration.

But this year, a group of liberal organizations in Minnesota and nationwide are staging "thank you taxes" events today.

Organizers of the Alliance for a Better Minnesota planned to hold a midday press conference as part of its ongoing campaign to highlight the need for tax revenue to sustain public services.

The event, among others sponsored by Americans United for Change and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, is an attempt to piggyback on publicity recently garnered by anti-tax activists who are holding "tea parties" across the nation today.

According to the alliance, members "will highlight the essential services that even tea party protesters use and enjoy do not grow on trees -- our taxes pay for them."

The event is an offshoot of an ongoing e-mail campaign the alliance is conducting, encouraging Minnesotans to sign an electronic "thank you card," specifying public services they believe are worth paying for with taxes.

During the press conference, the groups also planned to release a report on tax loopholes being used by large financial institutions.

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