Local lawmaker urges caution in determining how to utilize projected $1.6 billion state budget surplus

Minnesota finance officials are forecasting a $1.6 billion surplus in the state budget for the next biennium after earlier projecting a budget shortfall of $1.3 billion. KAUS News spoke with State District 27A Representative Peggy Bennett, a Republican from Albert Lea who stated that she was happy to see the turnaround, but she went on to say that lawmakers must proceed with caution as they determine how the budget surplus will be utilized…

Lawmakers must reach an agreement on an overall state budget of around $52 billion before June 30th.