There’s a projected $1.5 billion surplus in Minnesota. Lobbyist Bruce Kleven says lawmakers still need to know how much money is available before they can decide how to spend it. “If you look at the House Democrats’ view they say there’s no money to spend, because of inflation. The Republicans will come back and say we’re looking at this biennium, now.” Once that’s determined, Kleven says committees will get budget targets. Those committees will decide how to spend the money. A few options are being considered to help farmers. One option is Section 179 conformity. According to Kleven, Section 179 conformity would cost about $240 million. “In theory, there’s money in the surplus to take care of this and with bipartisan support, by the end of May that should be fixed, but it’s not in the bank yet.” A few other options being considered include grain bin safety, funding rural mental health advocates and animal health. We’ll likely know more on funds by the final committee deadline around April 3. Listen to the story.