DES MOINES (AP) — After struggling with cost cutting during several lean budget years, Iowa lawmakers are now facing a financial surplus, and while that’s undoubtedly good news, it also can be as politically complicated as being cash-poor.

“It’s no prettier,” said Department of Management Director Dave Roederer, the governor’s top budget aide.

The Iowa legislature convenes Monday, with Gov. Terry Branstad set to release his budget proposal Tuesday. Fueled by a nearly $1 billion budget surplus, Branstad is expected to announce plans to invest in education and cut commercial property taxes as part of his $6 billion budget plan — both initiatives he has unsuccessfully pursued in the past.