West Virginia state Treasurer John Perdue certainly deserves credit for prudent management of our money. It is our money, of course, because we all pay taxes in the Mountain State.

But on Monday, Perdue was praised by Gov. Jim Justice for agreeing to transfer $20 million out of the treasurer’s office and into the state general revenue fund. It will help keep the budget balanced, the governor noted.

Perdue said the $20 million results from good investments and the state unclaimed property program.

Well, good — but Perdue is just doing his job. No state agency should spend more than necessary. Any unused cash belongs back in the general revenue fund. The $20 million never was the treasurer’s office’s money. It was always our money.