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.

Republican leaders say the change would save Minnesota businesses $50 million the first year. That amount may well be added to the state budget deficit. The Senate GOP says the job creation would be worth it. DFL critics say there's no assurance that companies would used the money they save to create jobs.

Homeowners' latest tax statements don't reflect the reduced home values that city assessors promised, but officials say not to worry: They have to wait until the state of Minnesota declares north Minneapolis a disaster area. The real bill should show the reduced property values -- and lighter taxes.

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

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.

The Minnesota House approved a tax bill that would freeze business property taxes and create several new tax breaks. Governor Dayton and other DFLers say the freeze will drive up the state's budget deficit in the next biennium. The tax breaks include incentives for investing in startup companies and hiring veterans.

Minnesota Management and Budget officials say revenue from both income and sales tax are more than originally forecast. The latest projections in February showed Minnesota had a $323 million surplus.