Minnesota Budget Reserve Bumped By $150 Million

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota's defense against future budget shortfalls is a bit sturdier.

State finance officials said Tuesday they deposited $150 million more into Minnesota government's main rainy-day account. It brings the total to $811 million, with more money automatically going into it if there are future surpluses.

The Legislature approved the set-aside this spring but it didn't take effect until July 1.

Minnesota also as a $350 million cash-flow account that lawmakers have turned to in lean times.

The cushion could help cushion the blow if deficit days return. But the size of the reserve is also important to Wall Street bond houses when they set the state's credit rating, which affects interest rates when the state borrows for construction projects.