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Day two of David Pecker testimony wraps in NY Trump trial; Supreme Court hears arguments on Idaho's near-total abortion ban; ND sees a flurry of campaigning among Native candidates; and NH lags behind other states in restricting firearms at polling sites.

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The Senate moves forward with a foreign aid package. A North Carolina judge overturns an aged law penalizing released felons. And child protection groups call a Texas immigration policy traumatic for kids.

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Wyoming needs more educators who can teach kids trade skills, a proposal to open 40-thousand acres of an Ohio forest to fracking has environmental advocates alarmed and rural communities lure bicyclists with state-of-the-art bike trail systems.

Surprise! Forecast Says Minnesota Has a Budget Surplus

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Friday, December 2, 2011   

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota state officials are now predicting a surplus of $876 million for the remainder of the current two-year budget cycle, although the celebration is muted.

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson says the improved budget came on the backs of many families, as the fix – pushed by the Republican-controlled Legislature – is the result of budget shifts, borrowing and cuts to important programs.

"You know, it's kind of like putting all your groceries on your credit card and then cheering because you have money in the bank. So, the fact is that there are still thousands of people unable to find work, and schools still have to borrow money, and property taxes increasing on seniors and the middle-class – we're not ready to celebrate yet."

While the state sits on its current surplus, the forecast also predicts a deficit of $1.3 billion for fiscal years 2014-15. Knutson says that means more major budget decisions, and she feels the only way to make up the ground that's been lost is through smart choices.

"What we're looking for is a legislative session where the legislators will work with the governor, to really – really – begin addressing that deficit fairly. Instead of just protecting the millionaires, we want it to be done fairly and so that everyone pays their fair share and at the same time we can create family-sustaining jobs."

The state budget forecast will be updated again in February, shortly after lawmakers convene to begin the 2012 session. The state says all the current surplus will be used to restore depleted state reserves.



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