Gov. Dayton Is Concerned Lawmakers Are Overspending

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Spending plans using Minnesota's budget surplus have drawn concern from Gov. Mark Dayton.

The Democratic governor says he's worried that competing House and Senate proposals spend too much. Dayton wouldn't say Tuesday what he considers an ideal size or if he'd exercise his line-item veto to pare it back.

Minnesota senators were debating a bill that devotes more money to preschool programs, financial aid for college students and allowances for caregivers for the disabled and elderly, among other priorities.

The Senate's proposal is leaner than a companion House bill. The combined spending in the Senate bill is $209 million, or roughly two-thirds what the House allocates.

Negotiators for the two chambers will begin working on a unified proposal to send to Gov. Mark Dayton after Easter.