REFORMS PUT WISCONSIN BACK IN THE BLACK
River Hills – Wisconsin is back in the black.
New state revenue estimates project Wisconsin will see a $154.5 million surplus. State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) says the budget reforms are improving the state’s economy.
“When we started, the Democrats left us with a $3.6 billion deficit and jobs were fleeing the state,” Darling said, “Instead of kicking the can down the road, Governor Walker and Republicans rolled up our sleeves, passed real reforms, and cut taxes. Our state is seeing the benefits of those reforms. Our budget is in the black.”
For the first time in a decade, the state will have enough money transfer cash into the rainy day fund in back-to-back years. Wisconsin is expected to finish 2012-13 with a total surplus of $154.5 million. In February, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau projected a deficit. In the last four months, Wisconsin’s revenue forecast improved by $265 million. Senator Darling says the reforms are working and creating a stable environment to grow jobs.
“Wisconsin’s financial future is bright. Much of the growth comes from job creation and personal income growth,” Darling said, “Wisconsin’s state budget is now being run the same way families throughout the state handle their budgets: we’re not spending more than we have.”
Senator Darling represents portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties.