Divided Opinions On How To Spend State Surplus

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A new poll shows Minnesotans are divided on how to spend a $1.2 billion state surplus.

The State Tribune's Minnesota Poll finds 30 percent of respondents want the money refunded to taxpayers. About the same number of people say the state should save the surplus and another 31 percent say spent it. The spenders would direct the revenue to roads and schools.

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton has credited the state's economic performance for the surplus while Republicans say Minnesota has overtaxed its citizens. The surplus will likely be a contentious issue when legislators convene for a session beginning March 8.

The poll includes the opinions of 800 registered voters interviewed by phone Jan. 18-20. It has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.