![Good News: Minnesota Expects $876 Million Surplus](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/09/money_20_dollars_flickr_user_Images_of_Money1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Good News: Minnesota Expects $876 Million Surplus
ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota budget officials are estimating a surprise $876 million surplus for the rest of the state's two-year budget, easing fears of another bruising political fight just months after partisan deadlock over how to close the last budget deficit led to a partial shutdown of state government.
Predictions at the Capitol had been pessimistic, with red-ink estimates ranging from $500 million to $1 billion. But budget officials said revenues came in $358 million higher than expected and spending was $205 million below earlier estimates.
The forecast wasn't all sunny. It projected a deficit of $1.3 billion for fiscal years 2014-15. The forecast said most of the reduced spending was in Health and Human Services.
The forecast will be updated again in February, when it will be used to guide budget talks.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Dayton: Don’t Be Surprised If I Try to Tax Wealthy](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/10/Governor-Dayton-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Economic Forecast Mixed Bag [AUDIO]](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2012/08/Money.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Washington Fight Clouds Minnesota Budget Forecast](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2010/12/minnesota_state_capitol.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MN October Tax Revenues Beat Forecasts](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/12/money.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Next State Budget Forecast Due Out on Wednesday [AUDIO]](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/11/minnesota_capitol_winter_GaryQ_flickr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![State Budget Forecast Trims 1.2 Billion Dollars From Deficit](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2010/12/minnesota_state_capitol_3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![O’Driscoll, Hosch ‘Hopeful’ New Budget Forecast Will Improve [AUDIO]](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/01/Legislative-Review.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minn. Tax Collections Run $28M Ahead For Nov.-Dec.](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2010/12/minnesota_state_capitol_3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)