Governor’s proposal to spend the $1.9 billion surplus faces resistance from the GOP.

A new coalition of advocates for the elderly and disabled in Minnesota is planning an aggressive campaign to persuade legislators to pass a 5 percent increase in their budget next session, which would cost the state an additional $86 million in the current budgeting period.

Disability advocates are calling on the House and Senate to disavow $150 million in proposed cuts to health and human services funding. Those cuts were part of budget targets released by the DFL majorities prior to leaving for Passover/Easter break.

On New Year’s Eve day, a group of experts on mental health issues gathered to discuss goals for the looming legislative session. The meeting was spurred in part by urging from DFL legislators to draw up ideas for tackling the issue in the wake of the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn.