House Republicans Eye Half Of Budget Surplus For Tax Cuts

ST. PAUL (AP) — House Republicans say they're still pushing to return much of Minnesota's $900 million budget surplus to taxpayers.

Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt and other leaders said Tuesday they hope to spend $450 million of the surplus on tax cuts. That includes reducing the state tax on Social Security income and a tax credit for contributions to college savings plans and student loan payments.

Republican leaders also said they want $800 million for public works projects. That figure is almost half of the $1.5 billion Senate bonding bill that failed earlier this month.

House leaders still haven't said what projects are included in their bill, but said Tuesday it will prioritize road and bridge projects and water infrastructure.