A tax is a levy is an assessment

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has been firm that he will not raise taxes to help resolve the state's $3 billion short fall. House Speaker Margaret Anderson reiterated this in a conference call with reporters this week as legislative leaders were hacking out a final budget deal. The governor told legislators "no taxes, no fees and no surcharges," she said. Still, some lovers of language might note that leaves a range of technical options. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, synonyms include assessment, duty, imposition, impost and levy. Related words include custom, excise, tariff, toll, tribute, withholding and surcharge. Stay tuned budget watchers and keep an ear out for these words before adjournment Monday.