The sour economy dented Minnesota's tax receipts in 2009. But we still moved up in the state rankings of per capita tax revenue.

Tax receipts for August beat projections by 3.5 percent. Minnesota Management and Budget reports revenue from sales taxes and individual income taxes was strong. It's a turnaround from July, when revenue was lagging.

After two and a half hours of debate Friday, Republican Senators agreed to reduce and eventually eliminate the state’s property tax on businesses and give married couples an income tax break. The $100 million dollars in tax revenue would be covered with the state’s budget reserves. The House has passed companion legislation, but there are several differences. Gov. Mark Dayton does not support the proposal.

Republican Sen. Dave Thompson told the Star Tribune he isn't looking to collect more revenue, but feels the current policy is hurting Minnesota retailers, like Target and Best Buy. Supporters of an Internet sales tax argue online retail giants have an unfair price advantage right now.

There's bipartisan agreement on the need for "tax reform" but just what does that mean? Governor Dayton's revenue commissioner plans to spend six-to-eight months touring the state and collecting suggestions.

Vikings leadership suggests the state should tap into revenue from sources like player's income taxes and taxes on fan purchases to pay for its share of the stadium. The team argues this revenue would not exist without the Vikings here in Minnesota.

Minnesota Management and Budget reports general fund revenues were $107 million less than projected last month. Gov. Mark Dayton and legislators will get an update on the state's budget forecast February 29. The forecast in December showed Minnesota had an $876 million surplus.

Management and Budget Commissioner James Schowalter says better-than-expected sales tax collections last month helped pad Minnesota's budget. Since February, tax revenues have surpassed estimates by $148 million. An economic update will be released next month and a new budget forecast will be issued in November.