 Senate Republicans are proposing to cut the state's lowest income tax rate as part of a $900 million tax cut bill. Its Republicans opening bid in the brewing fight over tax cuts with Democratic Governor Mark Dayton, tax talks will loom as the Republican-controlled legislature and governor start assembling a new two-year budget with a $5.65 billion budget surplus. Senate Republicans unveiled the broad strokes of their tax bill earlier today that would phase out a Social Security income tax and provide a college tuition tax credit. But top senators wouldn't say how much they want to cut the state's current 5.35 percent low tax rate. Whatever the cut, most Minnesotan residents will benefit, even higher earners would pay a lower rate on their first $18,000 of income. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.