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Is it a tobacco fee? Is it a tax? It's up to the judges to decide
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Former state Revenue Commissioner John James says there is a larger issue at stake in the case -- truth in taxation. He says if the court rules the surcharge is a tax, even though it was labeled a fee, it'll provide more political cover to raise money through fees. (MPR Photo/Elizabeth Stawicki)

Former state Revenue Commissioner John James says there is a larger issue at stake in the case -- truth in taxation. He says if the court rules the surcharge is a tax, even though it was labeled a fee, it'll provide more political cover to raise money through fees.

(MPR Photo/Elizabeth Stawicki)
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