Minnesota taxes became more regressive in last decade

Rich Minnesotans pay a "substantially" smaller percentage of their income in state and local taxes than their less well off neighbors, according to a new study.

"Minnesotans' tax system is more regressive than it was a decade ago," said Revenue Commissioner Dan Salomone in a news release.

The tilted angle of the state's tax system plays directly into the heated political debate at the Minnesota Capitol, dominated by a DFL governor who wants to raise taxes on high income earners and a Republican Legislature that wants to cut taxes.