As lawmakers in St. Paul begin hearings this week on the Governor's budget proposals, DFL State Senator Mat Schmit of Red Wing says he supports the governor's proposed reduction of the sales tax rate and broadening of sales tax to cover more goods and services.

Schmit also calls the up to $500 property tax rebates and the addition of a fourth tax bracket for people making over $250,000 a yeargood parts of the proposal.
                
Schmit says a subcommittee of the Senate Tax Committee will be dealing with tax reform.  DFL Leaders say Dayton presented a strong budget which focuses on long term stability and priorities to strengthen the middle class.