WYMAN PROJECTS $327.8 MILLION SURPLUS FOR 2006
Seal of the  State of Connecticut, Office of the State Comptroller

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

NANCY WYMAN
COMPTROLLER

OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER
55 ELM STREET
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106-1775

MARK OJAKIAN
DEPUTY COMPTROLLER
WYMAN PROJECTS $327.8 MILLION SURPLUS FOR 2006
Contact: Steve Jensen
860-702-3308

State Comptroller Nancy Wyman today projected the state will end the 2006 fiscal year with a budget surplus of $327.8 million.

The estimated surplus has risen by $21.4 million in the last month, driven mostly by strong collection of income taxes related to taxpayers' investments in financial markets. Since the start of the 2006 fiscal year in July, the income tax has brought in more than $214 million over original estimates.

Revenues were also higher than expected in several other categories, including the tax paid by oil companies on their profits, the real estate conveyance tax tied to the state's housing market, and the inheritance tax.

Wyman noted, however, that higher energy prices and rising interest rates could inhibit economic expansion in the coming months, and she urged restraint in handling the surplus.

"While this moderate growth is encouraging, I believe state government should make a commitment to save the surplus in the Rainy Day Fund - not spend it," Wyman said.

The Rainy Day Fund's current balance of $605.6 million represents 4.3 percent of annual General Fund appropriations. Wyman has advocated for the emergency fund to contain at least 10 percent of appropriations.

The surplus estimate is based on an annual budget of $15.2 billion.

The State Comptroller appreciates input on this and other issues from residents of the state. Please feel free to contact her office by phone - (860) 702-3300; mail - OSC, 55 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106; or, via E-mail - osc.opinions@po.state.ct.us

Learn more about the Connecticut Comptroller's Office by calling up our Internet Home Page, at the link below.

For Immediate Release
January 3, 2006

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