Minnesota Economic Forecast Kicks Off Budget Season

ST. PAUL (AP) - Minnesota's budget picture sharpens Wednesday with a new economic forecast, but there's a big caveat.

The forecast from state finance officials may be outdated by the end of the month, depending on what happens in Washington.

Federal negotiations over a long-term deficit fix will determine whether across-the-board tax increases and automatic spending cuts kick in at the start of 2013.

Failure to reach a deal would send the nation over the so-called fiscal cliff and could prompt a recession.

Gov. Mark Dayton and lawmakers use the forecast as the basis for the next two-year state budget. The last forecast anticipated a $1.1 billion gap starting in mid-2013.

The Democratic governor faces a Jan. 22 deadline to propose a budget to the Legislature. Democrats will take over both chambers Jan. 8.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)