The last economic forecast that showed Minnesota with a budget deficit will be labeled a fluke, if new numbers that come out this morning (930am) show a surplus as top lawmakers predict. If that happens, the question will be what to do with the extra money.
House Democratic Minority Leader Melissa Hortman says it should go for K-12 schools and public colleges and universities. “We know that education is the economic engine in the state of Minnesota, and we should be investing there,” Hortman says. Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka is talking about updating Minnesota’s tax code. He says, “We do have an opportunity with the federal tax laws changing of doing more conformity.” Senate Democratic Minority Leader Tom Bakk says the state Health Department should get more money. “All of these reports about elder abuse and the lack of resources to investigate complaints is really serious,” Bakk says. Governor Mark Dayton says funding to improve security at Minnesota schools should be a top priority.