As some governors continue to wage war on public employee unions and four states, including New York, wrestle with midyear deficits, cost-cutting followed by higher-than-expected revenue has officials in South Dakota and other states looking to spend the first surplus dollars in years.

Fifteen report revenue exceeding projections for the current fiscal year. After four consecutive years in which states closed budget gaps of $500 billion, most are heading into the new year with stable or growing revenue.

Tax revenue in the third quarter last year increased for 48 states, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News.