Minnesota leaders got some good news with Thursday's budget forecast, where what had been a $1.1B projected deficit in the coming biennium was slashed to just $627 million. All sides welcomed the news, with DFL leaders — Gov. Mark Dayton, Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk and House Speaker Paul Thissen — claiming the need to stay the course with their plans for tax reform, while Republicans — House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt and Assistant Senate Minority Leader Dave Thompson — characterized the improved economic conditions as a result of the policies of the previous GOP majority.