The phrase "dollar surplus" refers to a situation where there is an excess or extra amount of dollars available. It means that there is more money in the form of dollars than what is needed or expected. Full definition
The five billion dollar surplus does not actually happen until 2019, and it occurs only if state spending growth is limited to 2 % or less a year for the next three years. (nynow.wmht.org)
There is reason to be skeptical that New York will run a multi-billion dollar surpluses in the coming fiscal years, according to a preliminary report on the 2014 - 15 state budget released on Monday by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office. (nystateofpolitics.com)
But the governor and his budget officials believe that if they continue to hold spending to 2 % a year or lower, the state will have an over $ 2 billion dollar surplus in three years, enough to pay for the tax cuts, pre-kindergarten and other programs. (nynow.wmht.org)