Preview at the Capitol: the week ahead in state politics

by Phil Picardi, Minnesota Public Radio,
Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio

Minnesota lawmakers will learn today if the projected $6.2 billion state budget deficit is getting bigger or smaller. State finance officials will release an updated economic forecast that will help guide budget discussions for the rest of the 2011 session.

But even if the deficit shrinks significantly there's still a wide divide between DFL Governor Mark Dayton and Republican leaders over how best to erase the red ink.

MPR's Phil Picardi spoke with reporter Tim Pugmire about what impact the new forecast will have on the ongoing budget debate.

Broadcast Dates

• Morning Edition, 02/28/2011, 7:20 a.m.