In recent years, as Gov. Tim Pawlenty has pledged not to raise taxes, he and lawmakers have turned more often to increasing fees.

A report released by nonprofit group Minnesota 2020 is critical of the governor, saying he allowed fees to rise far above inflation while focusing attention on his tax policy.

It must be noted the source of the criticism comes from the group's director, Matt Entenza, a former DFL legislator and no fan of Pawlenty.

Taking fees away from what they are tied to is not good policy. People using a service should be expected to help fund it and most people don't mind paying a little more for an activity they enjoy. People have less tolerance for paying more for a hunting license or ski pass when they know the money is going elsewhere.

Instead, after making necessary cuts, lawmakers should look at a mix of increases in income tax, property tax and sales tax, and a possible extension of the sales tax to clothing and food.