BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple has presented the Legislature with a $15.7 billion proposed budget for state government over the next two years.
The governor offered his blueprint to a joint session of North Dakota's House and Senate on Wednesday.
Dalrymple's suggested budget raises state spending over two years by 14 percent, while cutting income and property taxes by $408 million.
The plan includes $3.7 billion to help western North Dakota's oil-producing region address rapid growth. The proposal also includes $3 billion for statewide infrastructure and flood-control projects.
Dalrymple's budget includes 287 new state workers in law enforcement, public health, education and environmental oversight.
Even with the spending increases, the governor's plan estimates a budget surplus of $3.5 billion at the end of the next two-year budget cycle.