Surplus shakes up politics at the state Capitol

by Cathy Wurzer, Minnesota Public Radio,
Tom Scheck, Minnesota Public Radio

Minnesota's forecast for a revenue surplus is giving state lawmakers new fodder in their battles over taxes and spending. The promising numbers came as a shock to many at the capitol. State economists are projecting an $876 million budget surplus for the rest of the two-year budget cycle. That's quite a change from last year when the governor and legislators fought bitterly over a $5 billion deficit. Their battle ground state government to a halt for twenty days.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Minnesota Public Radio News political reporter Tom Scheck about the political implications of this year's projected surplus.

Broadcast Dates

• Morning Edition, 12/02/2011, 7:20 a.m.