Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Last month North Dakota voters soundly rejected a proposal to cut their state income taxes in half.

Gov. John Hoeven's budget proposal includes a smaller income tax cut. And some lawmakers are wondering why Hoeven is emphasizing the issue.

Measure 2 on the November ballot sought to cut individual income tax rates in half, and corporate rates by 15 percent. It was defeated with 70 percent of the voters saying no.

Wyndmere Senator Jim Dotzenrod says high property taxes are a bigger issue with voters.

Fargo Senator Carolyn Nelson says the money devoted to an income tax cut maybe could be used elsewhere.

Hoeven spokesman Don Canton says the governor offered the income tax cut during the campaign as part of a more balanced package of tax relief.

Hoeven opposed Measure 2, and Canton says the governor considered his proposal an alternative to the measure.

(SOUND: Sound files have been e-mailed to accompany this story) (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-04-08 0555CST | save this article / add to your favorites list