Outgoing Wis. treasurer says $33 million returned

MADISON, Wis. — Outgoing Wisconsin state Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass says more than $33 million was returned in unclaimed property to taxpayers last year.

Sass says that was the largest payout ever by the state treasurer's office. She released the figures Monday, the same day that she left office after being defeated in the election by Republican Kurt Schuller.

Schuller has promised to serve for only one term and work to abolish the office.

Sass says over her first three years in office more than $79 million was returned.

Unclaimed Property includes uncashed payroll checks, utility refunds, stocks, dividends and safe deposit box contents.

State law requires businesses to turn over unclaimed property to the state treasurer after between one and five years of inactivity.