The phrase "public coffers" refers to the money or funds that belong to the government or state. It represents the financial resources that are collected from taxpayers and used to finance public services and government operations. Full definition
This an unfathomable amount of money which is being stolen from public coffers by the same people who tell us that there is not enough money to improve benefits for workers, or to pay for public services. (rabble.ca)
Complicating matters for public school finance directors and special education providers is a new voucher program enacted by lawmakers last year that, beginning this fall, will funnel money out of public coffers into private educational settings. (ncforum.org)
Not only did that hammer industry profits, but it also slashed the amount of money flowing into public coffers in Alberta and Ottawa. (jeffrubinssmallerworld.com)