$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.