Lawmakers Anxious To See Economic Forecast

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- The state of Minnesota could be in for another budget battle when the next session gets underway.

That's why lawmakers are anxiously awaiting Thursday's announcement of the economic forecast.

Some say it could show a $500 million to $1 billion deficit. If that happens, we could be in store for another budget battle like the one that led to a 20-day government shutdown this past year.

In that battle, lawmakers couldn't agree on how to wipe out a $5 billion projected deficit.

Eventually, Gov. Mark Dayton and state lawmakers agreed to a mix of cuts, shifts and borrowing.

The budget numbers will be released Thursday.