Gov. John Lynch released the following statement today on the state's 2005 unaudited financial statements. The statements show a 2005 surplus of $82.1 million. The Legislature expected to use $30 million for the 2006-2007 budget, leaving a net surplus of $52.1 million.

"I believe you can keep an eye on the bottom line and still look out for people, and that's what we have done. Strong fiscal discipline and an improving economy have allowed us to erase a projected $300 million budget deficit, stabilize the state's finances for the future, and create this budget surplus.

"I strongly believe that we should add a portion of this surplus to our state's depleted Rainy Day Fund, which will help safeguard the services our citizens need against future economic downturns. Then we should carefully consider other priorities, such as the impact of increased fuel costs on our families and our state's budget."

"I look forward to working with Democratic and Republican lawmakers to continue to safeguard our citizens' wallets and the services they need."