ST. PAUL  — A tantalizing Minnesota budget surplus has stirred talk of tax cuts and more spending on prized programs or infrastructure upgrades.

But there’s also a call for some quarters to save a chunk of the money to cope with the next downturn.

Lawmakers learn today how big of a surplus they have to work with when the Department of Minnesota Management and Budget issues its latest economic forecast.

In December, finance officials projected an $825 million surplus. The welcome breathing room comes after a string of deficits triggered budget cuts, tax increases and drawdowns in rainy day accounts.

When fully stocked — as they are now — Minnesota’s savings and checking account balances combine to reach $1 billion.