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Treasurer Schmitt delivers record-breaking results for Missouri taxpayers during first year in office

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo  The Missouri State Treasurer’s Office today released a report on Treasurer Schmitt’s record-breaking first year in office. The report, titled “Year One Report: Delivering Results for Missouri Taxpayers,” highlights Schmitt’s efforts to protect taxpayer dollars, support small businesses and empower individuals and families.

Schmitt was sworn in as Missouri’s 46th State Treasurer on January 9, 2017. An online version of the report is available here:http://bit.ly/2AIt1Xq

“Missouri has been and always will be an exceptional state, which is why I consider it such an incredible honor to serve in this position,” said Schmitt. “We find ourselves at an important moment in history when opportunities for innovation are everywhere. In my first year as treasurer, I have worked tirelessly to embrace that opportunity and fight for a better future for our state, and I believe we have already made significant progress in the right direction.”

Key highlights from Treasurer Schmitt’s first year include: 

  • Returned $45 million of Unclaimed Property to its rightful owners – a new Missouri record for a state treasurer in their first year (see below for more information)
  • Launched the MO ABLE Disability Savings Program, which quickly became a model of success for other states
  • Revamped the MOST 529 scholars savings program, increasing enrollment and surpassing $3 billion in assets under management
  • Earned $37 million of interest on the state’s investment portfolio
  • Grew Missouri’s economy by investing $213 million in small businesses and farms through the Linked Deposit program
  • Advocated for Missouri taxpayers as the state’s Chief Financial Officer by sounding the alarm on the looming pension crisis

The report features additional efforts by Schmitt including the creation of the Missouri Economic Dashboard (MissouriDashboard.com) and the prevention of fraud against state funds.

Schmitt returns $45 million of Unclaimed Property in first year as treasurer, breaking previous record

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – State Treasurer Eric Schmitt has made history by returning more Unclaimed Property in his first year than any previous treasurer in Missouri history. Treasurer Schmitt today announced he returned $45 million in Unclaimed Property during his first year in office, surpassing the previous record of $29 million.

“I’m proud of our team for breaking yet another historic Unclaimed Property record,” Schmitt said. “This money belongs to the people of Missouri, so my goal is to get it back in the hands of its rightful owners as quickly as possible.”

State law requires financial institutions, insurance companies, public agencies and other business entities to turn over assets to Treasurer Schmitt that belong to a customer, client, employee or other owner if there have been no documented transactions or contact with the owner after a period of time, generally five years.

Most Unclaimed Property consists of cash from bank accounts, stocks, bonds and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned. It also can include uncollected insurance policy proceeds, government refunds, utility deposits and wages from past jobs.

Treasurer Schmitt currently manages $993 million in unclaimed assets in more than 4.8 million owner accounts. One in ten Missourians has Unclaimed Property, and the average return is $300. Unclaimed Property can be searched for and claimed on ShowMeMoney.com.