New revenue estimates show the state is more flush with cash than previously thought, about $122 million above what lawmakers thought they had to divvy up.

With the extra money, lawmakers can now put more into schools or other programs. Or it could mean more for roads. About $48 million of the new money is surplus funds for this fiscal year, and $73.7 million of it is projected additional revenue for the next fiscal year.

"It won't be hard to find places to spend the money," said Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, the Senate chairman of the Legislature's main budget committee.

Until Monday, lawmakers thought they had about $68 million remaining to parcel out in ongoing revenue to spend and about $210 million in one-time surplus funds. The new estimates increase the totals to $116 million in surplus and $286 million in projected revenue.

That still won't fund everything. Needs tend to multiply to reach the level of available funds and beyond.

"The rush is going to be to talk to me," Hillyard said.

Leaders of the House and Senate plan to talk about the new estimates this morning and will chat with Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Wednesday about his ideas for spending the money.

Huntsman said through a spokeswoman that the revised figures are welcome.

"While we desire to remain fiscally responsible, the new numbers give us the opportunity to proceed with the Legislature in completing a budget that is good for all Utahns," Huntsman said.

Huntsman has been at odds with GOP lawmakers who already passed a base budget that included $70 million extra for transportation. Huntsman wanted a smaller amount for highways - less than half as much - and more for education.

House Speaker Greg Curtis said the new revenue numbers ease budgeting tensions between the governor and lawmakers.

But, the Sandy Republican added, legislators will hold the line on "growing government," resisting the urge to infuse the base budget with the new money.

"We are very reluctant to build up the base budget," Curtis said. "We don't want to be in that trap again."

The speaker said legislators could add $25 million to the $70 million already set aside for transportation projects. Then Huntsman's initiatives, including a math program and a boost in beginning teacher salaries, will be considered.

A Senate committee Monday killed a bill that would have provided more than $20 million to enhance beginning teacher pay.

Combined with lawmakers' decision to adopt base budgets last week, Curtis said, the rosy revenue picture reduces the need for House Bill 97, legislation he sponsored that would keep government running in the event of a gubernatorial veto of the budget. House members on Monday deferred debate on the bill that would have taken away a major negotiating club for the governor.

"It doesn't have as much meaning this year," he said. "But we still want to have the policy discussion."

Curtis said he will talk to the House Republican caucus this week about sending his bill to interim study.

Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, was pleased with the new numbers, which he said would have been great during the economic boon of the late 1990s.

"I didn't know [they were] going to be as high as they were," Valentine said. "This is really refreshing to see."

tburr@sltrib.com

walsh@sltrib.com

Bigger state surplus?

Good news for a change

What lawmakers

thought they had left:

$68 million ongoing revenue

$210 million one-time surplus

What new estimates

say they have left:

$142 million ongoing revenue

$258 million one-time surplus