Audit: Wisconsin spent $1.5 billion in stimulus money

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin spent more than $1.5 billion in federal stimulus funding in the budget year that ended June 30, according to an audit report released Thursday.

The funding included $572 million for expanded unemployment benefits, $552 million for education and $342 million to support Medicaid, according to a report from the Legislative Audit Bureau.

Other stimulus spending supported food stamps, highway planning and construction and other federal programs.

The money was part of the $13.6 billion the state received in federal assistance in the last budget year, up from $10 billion the prior year.

According to the audit bureau, the state is expected to receive an additional $3.0 billion in stimulus funding in coming years.