Wisconsin's budget surplus comes in $112M better than expected

MADISON - The state  ended its financial year in June with $112 million more than expected, or enough to run state operations for about 2.5 days. 

The state finished its fiscal year with $579 million in its main account, up from the previous projection of $467 million.

In a statement, Gov. Scott Walker said the surplus was the second largest for Wisconsin since 2000. 

“Our pro-growth, pro-taxpayer reforms are working, and this is evidenced by the fact we have ended every year with a surplus since taking office,” Walker said. “We will continue to be good stewards of the hard-working taxpayers’ money and continue to provide an accountable government."

To put the surplus in perspective, it would be enough to pay for just over half of the state's yearly contribution to the University of Wisconsin System.

Another way to understand the total surplus is it would be enough to run the state's operations for just under 13 days.