 Minnesota's Republican-controlled legislature and Democratic Governor Mark Dayton will have more money to haggle over in the new budget after state budget officials announced earlier this week that the projected budget surplus has grown to $1.65 billion. Top lawmakers had originally expected a $1.4 billion surplus based on early estimates, but both parties have been in a budgetary holding pattern since the legislative session began. While it's been great news for the state, the latest estimate has shown a massive divide between the two parties on how this surplus should be spent. With the new budget forecast, we have $1.65 billion of surplus, some of that should go back to the taxpayer. I'm fine if all of it goes back to the taxpayer, but working with the governor, I think we shall accomplish that. He's really pushing for a bonding bill and I think the two will go together and I think they'll both get done. One thing the legislature is taking into consideration before making any decisions on what to do with the surplus is how President Donald Trump and a Republican Congress will handle healthcare trade in other areas. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.