New state budget forecast will set the stage for debate at the Capitol

State officials released a new budget forecast on Thursday morning, predicting that the state will have a $1.544 billion surplus to work with the next session.

That forecast came as Gov.-elect Tim Walz and a new Democratic House majority prepare for a new legislative session in which they must pass a budget for the next two years. Thursday's prediction is sure to affect the debate and the new governor's ambitions.

MPR News reporter Brian Bakst joined Angela Davis to discuss the latest numbers and what they mean.

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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