Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Gov. John Hoeven's budget plan has some large spending increases, and lawmakers say they want to make sure it has staying power.

Lawmakers say the big recent decline in the price of oil shows the risk in relying on high commodity prices for tax revenues.

Fargo Representative Mary Ekstrom says she's happy the governor's budget plan includes a large reserve. It could range between 800 (M) million and one-point-two (B) billion dollars.

Wyndmere Senator Jim Dotzenrod says Hoeven's budget plan seems to address a number of concerns that voters raised during the last campaign.

Hoeven's proposal includes 300 (M) million dollars for property tax cuts, and Dotzenrod says property taxes were a big area of campaign emphasis.

House Republican majority leader Al Carlson of Fargo says lawmakers have to make sure the budget's revenue estimates are sound.

(SOUND: Sound files have been e-mailed to accompany this story) (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-04-08 0546CST | save this article / add to your favorites list