Wisconsin state Treasurer Kurt Schuller said he was blindsided Wednesday afternoon, as the legislature’s budget panel voted to strip his office of its sole remaining significant responsibility. The Joint Committee on Finance moved to transfer administration of the unclaimed property program from the Office of the State Treasurer to the Department of Revenue.
AUDIO: State Treasurer Kurt Schuller (4:35)
Schuller, who campaigned on and advocated for a constitutional amendment that would have eliminated the position, called the move “stupid.” He said the Treasurer’s salary has been paid through revenues generated by the unclaimed property program. Schuller said that since the budget committee made no provision for the treasurer’s salary, that will now be picked up by the taxpayers of Wisconsin. Schuller defeated incumbent Democrat Dawn Marie Sass in November of 2010 and will not seek a second term in 2014.
The only remaining responsibility for the state Treasurer is to serve, along with the Attorney General and Secretary of State, on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.