Some legislators are considering a half-percent sales tax increase to help keep a lid on property taxes, according to a story by Don Davis of the Forum Communications staff.

Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL-Dilworth, the bill sponsor, said he thinks it’s the only bill that helps plug the state budget deficit, keeps property taxes affordable and maintains money for local government services.

“There are not a lot of good options out there,” he said.

Businesses, though, don’t seem to like the idea. Cities do, and apparently counties aren’t sure yet, the story says.