An archaic and broken budget process, entrenched special interests, and disparate electoral incentives doomed the session before it began.

From a nonpartisan perspective, the parties differ over two concepts: what is a surplus and what is an investment.

After House leaders released their budget, Minority Leader Paul Thissen said the DFL will be on alert for use of ‘gimmicks’ or ‘shifts.'

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

Lawmakers spent week digesting economic forecast data and planning strategies for the looming budget battle.

Gov. Dayton's budget proposal shares few themes with the DFL Senate, let alone GOP House.

Intense competition for budget dollars could make for a disappointing session for the judicial branch, which is seeking a 7.5 percent funding increase — or an additional $45 million — mostly to pay for raises for court personnel after five consecutive years of salary freezes.

Deciding just how to spend — or, indeed, whether to spend — the largest projected surplus since 2007 ought to be complex enough to occupy state politicos’ time for the next five months.

The $1 billion surplus is a ‘small cushion’ as the projected $42 billion 2016-17 budget looms ahead.

The 38-year-old Golden Valley representative has emerged as one of the DFL's most outspoken progressives.