Why Minnesota’s Surplus Could Have Been Bigger

It’s a lot, but it could have been more.

State budget writers, policymakers and frankly anyone or any group with a need for something out of Minnesota’s next state budget are still gushing over the record $7.75 billion state budget surplus reported earlier this month.

The state spends about $2.16 billion a month, and while surpluses have been common over the last two budget cycles, they usually hover in the $1 billion to $1.6 billion range, an amount that tends to set off political fighting between those who want to spend the money on government programs and those who want to give it back to taxpayers. The state’s current surplus is enough that lawmakers could do a bit of both — if they can agree how in an election year.

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