![$1.6 Billion Budget Surplus Awaits Lawmakers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2014/03/Minnesota-State-Capitol.jpg?w=980&q=75)
$1.6 Billion Budget Surplus Awaits Lawmakers
ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota's projected budget surplus has grown to more than $1.65 billion.
State budget officials released the updated figures Tuesday. Lawmakers had previously been expecting a $1.4 billion budget surplus.
The revised estimate kicks off the Legislature's budget-setting process at the Capitol this year. They'll need to approve a new budget before adjourning in late May.
But there have already been signs that it won't be easy. Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed a nearly $46 billion, two-year budget that Republicans say increases spending too much.
And GOP lawmakers who control the Legislature have signaled they'll press the Democratic governor for a hefty tax relief package after two years without tax cuts. Dayton previously lined up roughly $300 million in tax relief.
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