LOCAL BRIEFS

The Brainerd Family YMCA will have expanded fun swim hours during spring break March 16-20 starting at 12:30 p.m. in the Aquatic Center with the 110-foot waterslide, waterfall mushroom and floating lily pad crossing. Call the YMCA for more information at 829-4767.

Rockout planned at YMCA

The Brainerd Family YMCA will host the first YMCA rockout for seventh- and eighth-graders from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday.

There will be a Guitar Hero contest for cash prizes and gift cards. There will be music, dodgeball, concession items and Giovanni's Pizza.

Cost per person is $6. For more information call the YMCA at 829-4767.

United Way reschedules Biggest Loser weigh-off

United Way's Lakes Area Team Challenge-Biggest Loser final weigh-off celebration has been re-scheduled due to weather conditions for 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday at Westgate Mall in Baxter.

Call United Way at 829-2619 with questions or for more information.

Doty cites revenue study that points to a regressive state tax system

Minnesota's tax system is more regressive than ever, according to a Department of Revenue Tax Incidence Study cited by Rep. Al Doty, DFL-Royalton.

The study, conducted every two years, describes the level of tax fairness in Minnesota's state and local tax systems. According to the Department of Revenue, in 2011 Minnesota's middle- and low-income earners - $113,000 and below - are projected to pay 12 percent or more of their income in state and local taxes. The state's highest earners - $27 million and above - are slated to pay just 7.7 percent.

"Minnesota's working families are carrying all the weight," Doty said. "The majority of Minnesotans, the state's middle class, are paying more than their fair share of taxes."

Much of that disparity comes in the form of property taxes, Minnesota's most regressive tax. Since 2002, property taxes have skyrocketed more than $3.1 billion - that's a 67 percent increase in just seven years.

"Over the last six years the state has shirked its responsibility to pay for basic services like transportation, education and public safety," Doty said. "That's shifted the responsibility of providing vital services onto local governments, sending property taxes through the roof. That's the wrong approach. Now, Minnesota's tax system is even more regressive - hitting middle class families, senior citizens and small businesses the hardest."

The 2009 Tax Incidence Study can be found on the Minnesota Department of Revenue Web site at www.taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/legal_policy/other_supporting_content/2009_incidence_report.pdf.