Minnesota Budget Surplus opens new spending options

Minnesota's projected budget surplus, already at a record $17.6 billion, could grow even bigger when the Minnesota Department of Management and Budget releases an updated budget forecast on Monday. Lawmakers will decide what to do with the funds as they craft a two-year budget during the upcoming legislative session, with Democratic leaders hoping to fund spending priorities like schools, child care, transportation, public safety, climate change, and affordable housing.

The surplus could also be used to fund a state paid family and medical leave program, but there may be jockeying over whether to fund ongoing programs or focus on one-time spending in case of an economic downturn.