State Senate Leaders Unveil Budget Proposals

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Republicans and Democrats at the Minnesota Legislature are on a collision course as they work out how to spend a $900 million budget surplus.

Senate Democrats laid out their roadmap for the extra cash Wednesday. Their plan calls to put $300 million toward tax relief, with the remainder split between spending priorities like a preschool expansion and tackling racial economic disparities.

That approach will clash with House Republicans calling to split the extra cash between tax cuts and road and bridge repair.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says the two parties are a long way apart but still have time.

The Legislature could adjourn in late May without doing anything. Lawmakers have already passed a two-year budget last year.