Summary: Minnesota budget officials say lawmakers will have a $329 surplus with which to work in the upcoming biennium. However, Republican lawmakers and Gov. Mark Dayton are split on how to handle it. DFL leaders urge caution while Republicans are expressing optimism. In this week's "Political Insider," Brian McClung, communications director for former governor Tim Pawlenty, says Democrats are generally cautious about the money when it's projected, but at the end of the legislative session seem to want to spend every penny. Some lawmakers want to use the surplus to bring Minnesota's tax law in line with new federal guidelines. Dayton also plans to adjust his budget proposal following news of the surplus. That update is expected later this month.
