Dayton Ups Amount Of Surplus He's Willing To Spend

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Dayton says he's willing to devote another $100 million of a budget surplus to spending on pressing needs above his previous proposal.

Dayton said Thursday he made the offer to top lawmakers "in the spirit of accommodation." Earlier, Dayton had proposed $165 million in spending from Minnesota's $1.2 billion projected surplus.

The governor's move puts him closer to levels in bills approved by the Democratic-led Legislature.

Dayton says he wants some of the extra allocations spent on broadband infrastructure expansion, additional prison staffing and court-ordered psychological examinations of sex offenders. Some would also compensate for cost-of-living raises to personal caregivers and for propane price relief adopted earlier this session.

Dayton has also asked lawmakers to dedicate $100 more for a rainy-day reserve and $100 million for tax relief.