The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the Minnesota Department of Finance February 2006 economic forecast.  The revised forecast shows an additional surplus of $181 million for the current budget cycle.  This is in addition to the $1.04 billion surplus that was announced in the November 2005 forecast. 

"This is more good news for Minnesota.  We have replenished our reserve accounts and our state budget continues to be in the black.  It's clear that our efforts to hold government accountable, set priorities and spend smarter are working for Minnesota."

Of the additional surplus, $93 million, along with the bulk of the surplus from the November forecast, will go to restore payments to school districts.  Since the November 2004 forecast, nearly $1.1 billion has been utilized to buy back the school payment and property tax recognition shifts.