Wisconsin last week put $233 million back into its patient compensation fund, returning a controversial transfer that helped balance previous state budgets.
The payment included the original $200 million that was used from the fund and $33 million to cover the loss of earnings.
“With this payment, we are further restoring confidence in Wisconsin’s ability to manage its finances,” Gov. Scott Walker said in a statement.
Former Gov. Jim Doyle and the Legislature dipped into the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund in 2007 and 2008 to help eliminate deficits.
The Wisconsin Medical Society filed a lawsuit against the state for taking that action. The lower courts dismissed the case but in 2010, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Medical Society and remanded the case back to lower court, which then directed the state to return the funds.
