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.
A tax is a levy is an assessment
As the legislative session marches toward its conclusion, word play could play a role in a final budget deal
May 13, 2010 at 8:16PM
The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another crawled to officers in surrender Sunday after they located him in the woods near his home, ending a massive, nearly two-day search that put the entire state on edge.
