 Minnesota's projected budget surplus has grown to more than 1.65 billion dollars. State budget officials released the updated figures today. Lawmakers had previously been expecting a 1.4 billion dollar budget surplus. Governor Mark Dayton has proposed a nearly 46 billion two-year budget that Republicans say increase the spending too much. And GOP lawmakers who control the legislature have signaled that they will press the Democratic governor for a hefty tax relief package after two years without tax cuts. Dayton previously lined up roughly 300 million in tax relief. This budget forecast is more very good economic news for Minnesota. It's the eighth straight budget forecast that shows still further improvement in our state's finances. Minnesota's progress has been made possible in large part by our state's strong and still growing economy which has added 255,400 new jobs since January 2011 and due to our sound fiscal management. For today it's good news and it allows us to do the things that we want to do. We said we want to pass the roads and bridges bill. You should expect that. We want tax relief. We want to fix the health care crisis. All of those should be able to be done this year. The revised estimate kicks off the legislature's budget-setting process at the Capitol this year. They'll try to approve a new budget before journeying in late May. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.