Press Releases
| 03-08-2010 |
Treasurer Clint Zweifel announces $10 million small business and farm investment in northwest Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful) was in St. Joseph today to announce that since January 2009 his administration had made more than $10 million in low-interest loans to farms and small businesses in northwest Missouri. While at a stop at FCS Financial, Treasurer Zweifel said 126 loans had been made impacting 71 jobs and 106 farmers in the region. Borrowers in the region will save an estimated $152,000 in interest annually using loans made through the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. “I have been traveling our state, and one thing I hear consistently is that Missourians need jobs right now and we need to position this state for long-term success. This is happening, and it is being done in a fiscally-responsibly manner right here in northwest Missouri,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Farmers and small businesses are savings thousands of dollars and they are putting it to work immediately. These low-interest loans cost taxpayers nothing, and they allow us as a state to put tools in place for farms and small businesses to thrive.” [ Read More ] |
| 03-04-2010 |
Bill protecting unclaimed military medals passes House 153-0 The Missouri House gave unanimous support today to a bill that will ensure the protection of unclaimed military medals in Missouri. HB 1745 is known as the Veterans Medals Bill and was developed by State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful). The bill ensures veterans’ medals held by Unclaimed Property in Treasurer Zweifel’s office will never be auctioned or sold. Treasurer Zweifel established the administrative policy that lead to HB 1745 upon taking office. “I applaud the House and thank Rep. Day for his sponsorship of this measure that recognizes the significant meaning military medals hold for recipients and heirs,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Servicemen and women deserve to know we will ensure their medals are safe under all circumstance once they enter Unclaimed Property, no matter who is State Treasurer.” [ Read More ] |
| 03-04-2010 |
Treasurer Zweifel and Attorney General Koster announce $303,000 settlement with Sprint State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful)and Attorney General Chris Koster announced today they had reached a $303,000 settlement in a lawsuit against Sprint over uncashed and unclaimed rebate checks. Treasurer Zweifel said his office had already added more than 3,600 Missourians affected by the lawsuit to ShowMeMoney.com. Thirty-six states signed on to the $22 million settlement. As a result, thousands of people will be able to claim their rebate checks and put money back in their pockets. The suit centered on whether uncashed rebate checks are reportable under Missouri’s Unclaimed Property laws and, if so, who is the proper party to report them to Treasurer Zweifel’s office. [ Read More ] |
| 02-24-2010 |
Treasurer Clint Zweifel headlines House Democrats “Road to the Majority” tour in northeast and central Missouri St. Louis - The Missouri House Democrats will continue their “Road to the Majority” Tour in northeast and central Missouri on Friday, February 26, and Saturday, February 27. State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful) will headline events in Troy, Louisiana, Hannibal, Kirksville, Macon and Columbia. "We have a strong field of Democrats running in 2010 who understand the need for innovative and fiscally-responsible solutions to move Missouri’s economy forward,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “They understand we need to provide small businesses and farms right here in Missouri with the tools they need to succeed and provide quality jobs that put food on the table for Missouri families.” The grassroots fundraising tour will highlight local candidates for the state legislature. [ Read More ] |
| 01-28-2010 |
Treasurer Clint Zweifel announces $39 million investment in southeast Missouri impacting 662 jobs and 112 farmers State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful) announced today that since January 2009 his administration had loaned more than $39 million to farms and small businesses in the southeast region of Missouri. All told, the loans issued through the Missouri Linked Deposit Program impacted 662 jobs and 112 farmers. The loan program saved borrowers about $663,000 in annual interest costs. “Missouri Linked Deposit Program loans save borrowers about 30 percent on the cost of capital at a critical time. This is money they are able to reinvest in their businesses or farms by hiring more people and reinvesting in their operation,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “This low-interest loan program costs Missouri taxpayers nothing. It is simply a responsible way to put Missourians back to work and reduce the cost of credit for farms and small businesses.” [ Read More ] |
| 01-20-2010 |
Treasurer Zweifel Announces Record Payout; $1.6 Million Returned to Individual in St. Louis Region State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced today his office had returned $1.6 million in Unclaimed Property to a person in the St. Louis region. The payout is the largest single account returned to an individual in Missouri history. As always, when done directly with Treasurer Zweifel’s office, the Unclaimed Property return was made free of charge. [ Read More ] |
| 01-04-2010 |
Treasurer Zweifel Announces Record Pace for Unclaimed Property Accounts Returned State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced that half way through the 2010 fiscal year his office was on pace to break the previous record for Unclaimed Property accounts returned by more than 15 percent. A total of 45,809 accounts had been returned since July 1. The previous record was set by Treasurer Zweifel’s office in fiscal year 2009. [ Read More ] |
| 12-29-2009 |
Zweifel Offers a Fair Shake for Taxpayers to Kick Off the New Year A little more than six months after being signed into law, legislation developed by State Treasurer Clint Zweifel will allow him to return more on investments he manages for Missouri taxpayers beginning January 1. The legislation, Invest in Missouri, received the unanimous support of the Senate and the House and was signed by Gov. Nixon on June 29. [ Read More ] |
| 12-22-2009 |
With 3 Days Till Christmas, Zweifel Says Check His List With only three days until Christmas, State Treasurer Clint Zweifel is letting Missourians know there are still about 3.5 million gifts worth more than $600 million waiting for those last minute shoppers. Included on Treasurer Zweifel’s Unclaimed Property list are 52 named Santa, 66 named Donner, 40 named Dancer, 10 named Comet, 1 named Vixen and 31 named Stocking. "During this holiday season some gifts are made of money instead of costing money. In fact, some just require a simple search at ShowMeMoney.com and a little paper work," Treasurer Zweifel said. "There is no better time than now to go online and see if you, your family and your friends are one in 10 Missourians who has some unclaimed property. In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever Missourians have their money returned to them." [ Read More ] |
| 12-15-2009 |
Zweifel Announces Housing Agency Will Webcast Meeting for the First Time State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, Chair of the Missouri Housing Development Commission, today announced the housing agency’s December 18 meeting would be webcast live for the first time ever. The meeting’s webcast will be a test for the agency as it looks for the best way to provide the service at all future meetings. “As State Treasurer and as Chair of MHDC, time and again I see that government works best when its business is conducted in a transparent and accountable fashion,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “I asked MHDC staff to look into how we could make webcasting work, and this is our first test as we learn how we can provide this service at all meetings. This is a step in the right direction of continuing to make government more transparent and continuing to build the public trust.” [ Read More ] |
| 11-23-2009 |
Zweifel Announces $3.4 Million Small Business Loan State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced today a $3.4 million small business loan had been approved from the Missouri Linked Deposit Program he administers. The loan to Weber Seeds, Inc. of Marshall, Mo., is one of the largest ever issued through the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, and allowed the company to increase jobs by more than 25 percent and expand its customer base. “The Missouri Linked Deposit Program provides low-interest loans that allow companies to create and retain jobs,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Weber Seeds’ use of this loan to reduce its long-term interest cost is a great example of how we are reinvesting in communities and in people.” [ Read More ] |
| 11-19-2009 |
Treasurer Zweifel Appoints New Senior Staff State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced today he has appointed Andrew Maschhoff to be his Director of Investments and Paul Cushing to be his Director of Information Technology. “Andrew and Paul bring a great deal of experience to my team,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Andrew will work closely with me to ensure we are making strategic investments that create and retain Missouri jobs and move our economy forward. Paul will continue my priority of protecting Missouri’s investments each and every day and looking for ways we can use technology to improve efficiency and accountability, from investments to unclaimed property to banking services.” [ Read More ] |
| 11-13-2009 |
Treasurer Zweifel Introduces Interactive Tools to Make College Planning Easy as 1-2-3 If you think figuring out how to pay for college is as tough as actually earning a college degree, new interactive savings and investments tools from MOST-Missouri’s529College SavingsPlan can make the planning process considerably easier at the redeveloped www.most529savings.com. "The redesigned MOST 529 Web site provides a wide range of valuable information about planning for college," said State Treasurer Clint Zweifel, who administers the plan. "Particularly helpful are calculators for determining how much to save for a college education and asset allocation tools for figuring out how to invest contributions to the MOST 529 plan. Our goal with providing these tools is to help make it easier for plan participants to make smart saving and investment decisions for a child’s future. The tools also help show how small investments can make a big impact." [ Read More ] |
| 11-04-2009 |
Treasurer Zweifel Warns of Phishing Scam State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s office learned yesterday of a phishing scam where a person or group was posing as an assistant to the State Treasurer, and was attempting to obtain personal information in the form of a fraudulent e-mail concerning unclaimed property. The e-mail indicated the recipient may have unclaimed property and then asked for personal information. [ Read More ] |
| 10-08-2009 |
Zweifel Launches Revamped Low-Interest Loan Program at Life Science Start Up State Treasurer Clint Zweifel was in Midtown St. Louis today to launch a recently revamped low-interest loan program he administers called the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. He outlined the expansion of the loan program while visiting LipoSpectrum, a life science start up and program borrower that uses patented technology to quickly perform lipid tests in the fight against various diseases. Treasurer Zweifel said the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, which was expanded this past legislative session as part of legislation developed by him called Invest in Missouri that went into effect August 28, can lower the cost of borrowing for small businesses throughout Missouri. The program allows qualified applicants to borrow low-interest loans to increase operations, make reinvestments and even refinance. [ Read More ] |
| 09-30-2009 |
Zweifel in Hannibal to Promote Low-Interest Loans State Treasurer Clint Zweifel was in Hannibal today to outline the expansion of a low-interest loan program he administers called the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. Treasurer Zweifel said he wanted to use the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, which was expanded this past legislative session as part of legislation developed by him called Invest in Missouri, to lower the cost of borrowing for farmers and small businesses throughout northeast Missouri. The program allows qualified applicants to borrow low-interest rate loans to increase operations, make reinvestments and even refinance. [ Read More ] |
| 09-07-2009 |
Statement from State Treasurer Clint Zweifel on the Labor Day Holiday State Treasurer Clint Zweifel released the following statement today in advance of Labor Day. Labor Day has special meaning to my family as we celebrate and recognize the achievements and progress of working families in this country. The labor movement helped my parents make investments in me as a child that provided a foundation for future successes. In fact, those investments made it possible for me to be the first person in my family to go to and graduate from college. Stories like this are common in working families throughout the country, and Labor Day is an important time to recognize those stories and the achievements of working families. [ Read More ] |
| 08-31-2009 |
$46,761 Returned to Fairgoers in Sedalia State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced today that his Unclaimed Property Division had returned $46,761 to 245 people at the 2009 State Fair for an average of $190.86 per claim. About 12 percent of people who stopped to check the free service received monies back. "By being at the State Fair, Unclaimed Property remains visible to Missourians and reminds citizens there is still $500 million out there waiting to be claimed," Treasurer Zweifel said. "We work every day to get this money back into the economy. It has a real impact." Treasurer Zweifel’s Unclaimed Property Division was located in the Mathewson Exhibition Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day of the State Fair. Fairgoers were able to use the free service to search for property, file claims and ask questions. In fiscal year 2009 the Unclaimed Property Division returned a record 75,441 accounts representing over $26.6 million. [ Read More ] |
| 08-14-2009 |
$529 in College Savings Up for Grabs at State Fair State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced that Missouri State Fairgoers will be able to resister to win a $529 contribution to a MOST 529 account. "This $529 giveaway will provide valuable aid that could grow over time to help pay for a child’s college education," said Treasurer Zweifel, whose office sponsors the program. "This contribution, and the investments MOST 529 account owners make in children throughout Missouri have a real impact on college savings and college affordability." To enter the drawing at the State Fair, fairgoers may visit the MOST 529 booth in the Agricultural Building. Representatives of MOST 529 will be available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entrants must be 18 or older and Missouri taxpayers*. The prize money must be invested in an existing MOST 529 account or in a newly opened account in the plan. [ Read More ] |
| 08-12-2009 |
Millions Available to Fairgoers in Sedalia Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced his Unclaimed Property Division will be at the State Fair, and that hundreds of millions of dollars are available to be claimed. "There is still more than $500 million waiting to be claimed and one in 10 Missourians are entitled to that money," Treasurer Zweifel said. "My team is constantly looking for ways to reach out to Missourians, and with the economy the way it is, there has never been a more important time to get this money back into the hands of owners." Treasurer Zweifel’s Unclaimed Property Division will be located in the Mathewson Exhibition Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day of the State Fair. Fairgoers will be able to search for property, file claims and ask questions. [ Read More ] |
| 07-31-2009 |
State Housing Agency Approves Ethics Reform The Missouri Housing Development Commission unanimously passed comprehensive ethics reform today that will bring increased transparency, accountability and enforcement to the housing agency. "By implementing significant professional and accountable reforms that increase transparency and create enforceable rules, MHDC is now a state leader on ethics reform," said Treasurer Zweifel, who oversaw his first meeting as chair of the organization. "The reforms address removing personal conflicts of interest among commissioners and require applicants coming before the commission to fully disclose ownership interests. For the first time, enforceable penalties are provided for violations." [ Read More ] |
| 07-09-2009 |
Treasurer Zweifel Gets State Pension Fund to Disclose Benefits for Elected Officials Missourians will now be able to check the retirement benefits of their state elected officials and judges with the click of a mouse following today’s approval of a motion previously introduced by State Treasurer Clint Zweifel. The passage of the motion happened today in St. Charles at a meeting of the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System. The action comes about three weeks after Treasurer Zweifel also proposed a motion that passed to make MOSERS’ staff compensation available via the Internet. Previously, a Sunshine Law request was needed to obtain information on staff compensation. With today’s approval, citizens will also be able to obtain online information about the retirement benefits of elected officials and judges. "Elected officials and judges operate with the public trust and easy access to their benefits package makes sense," Treasurer Zweifel said. "Government works best when it is open and accountable and this vote furthers that principle. Today’s motion means citizens will be able to know the full cost of the service of elected officials and judges so they can hold them accountable." [ Read More ] |
| 06-29-2009 |
TREASURER ZWEIFEL’S INVEST IN MISSOURI SIGNED BY GOVERNOR NIXON State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s economic development legislation, INVEST IN MISSOURI, was signed by Governor Jay Nixon today at stops in St. Louis and Kansas City. The legislation reinvests $1 billion in Missouri communities. "INVEST IN MISSOURI is about creating and retaining Missouri jobs and reinvesting more than $1 billion in Missouri communities," Treasurer Zweifel said. "INVEST IN MISSOURI enables us to expand investments in small business, manufacturing, green technologies, family farms and community banks." Treasurer Zweifel said the legislation costs Missourians nothing and would return $10 to $15 million per year to taxpayers’ investments when fully phased in as changes to investment practices will allow taxpayers to receive a market-rate of return for the first time in 50 years. [ Read More ] |
| 06-23-2009 |
Treasurer Zweifel Calls for Reforms to State Housing Agency State Treasurer Clint Zweifel called for reforms to the Missouri Housing Development Commission in a news conference in Jefferson City today. He said he would work with commissioners to pass a reformed standards of conduct policy that would remove conflicts of interest and build Missourians trust in the agency. "We must build trust with Missourians. I am bringing a clear policy on ethics that acknowledges this issue cannot just be swept aside," said Treasurer Zweifel, who became chair of MHDC on May 22. "Specifically, I want to see reforms that lead to MHDC being more professional and more accountable." [ Read More ] |
| 06-10-2009 |
Treasurer Zweifel’s Office Sets New Record for Unclaimed Property Payouts Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s office has set a new record with 71,406 unclaimed property accounts paid this fiscal year, a record that will continue to grow with three weeks left until the end of fiscal year 2009. The previous record was 71,155 accounts paid, set in fiscal year 2004. "This record is a reflection of our staff’s dedication to finding the owners of unclaimed property, and improving efficiencies within the office," Treasurer Zweifel said. "Our efforts have helped put more than $25 million back into the hands of Missourians during a time of nearly unprecedented economic hardship." [ Read More ] |
| 05-28-2009 |
Missouri Celebrates 5/29 as 529 College Savings Day May 29 is "529 College Savings Day" in Missouri in recognition of the importance of setting aside money for children’s higher education. State Treasurer Clint Zweifel took the opportunity to highlight that MOST - Missouri’s 529 College Savings Plan - is a valuable tool for all Missourians, no matter how much they have to save. For as little as $25 a month, the plan helps families and friends easily establish and contribute to a child’s college savings, while offering tax advantages, a range of investment options and other benefits. "Raising awareness of MOST 529 is important as families struggle with the rising costs of sending their kids to college," Treasurer Zweifel said. "Saving now can keep the cost of that education at a more manageable level. It takes only a small investment of $25 to get started in MOST 529. With compounding that small investment can have real results." [ Read More ] |
| 05-26-2009 |
Treasurer Zweifel Becomes Chair of Missouri Housing Development Commission In a unanimous vote Friday, State Treasurer Clint Zweifel became chair of the Missouri Housing Development Commission. Treasurer Zweifel will begin his duties at MHDC’s July 31 meeting. "I am honored the commission members have confidence in me for this leadership role," Treasurer Zweifel said. "This commission is vital to Missourians. We have an opportunity to advance homeownership, affordable housing and Missouri’s economy through MHDC." Treasurer Zweifel said he looked forward to working with fellow commissioners, staff, program users and the public to continue to advance MHDC’s mission in Missouri. "Treasurer Zweifel has a strong understanding of economic and housing issues facing this state," Gov. Jay Nixon said. "I am pleased he is taking over leadership of MHDC at a time when we need to ensure all economic engines in Missouri are working towards moving the state forward." [ Read More ] |
| 05-06-2009 |
Unclaimed Property Rolls Into Zweifel’s Office JEFFERSON CITY- Staff was feverously busy today as State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s Unclaimed Property Division received this year’s batch of unclaimed property from dormant Missouri safe deposit boxes. Housed in Jefferson City, the Unclaimed Property Division acts as custodian for all the property people have forgotten. It is no small task. "What came in recently from safe deposit boxes is just a fraction of the unclaimed property my office is holding for Missourians," Treasurer Zweifel said. "We have $550 million in 3.5 million accounts, and it is anything from cash to coins to wills to dolls to baseball cards. It is all waiting to be claimed." [ Read More ] |
| 05-04-2009 |
Invest in Missouri Goes to Governor JEFFERSON CITY - More than two months after being introduced, Invest inMissouri was passed by the House of Representatives today 155 to 0. The legislation now heads to Governor Jay Nixon’s desk before becoming law. The legislation was championed by State Treasurer Clint Zweifel. "The passage of Invest in Missouri gives the state a strategic tool as we fight to turn the economy around," Treasurer Zweifel said. "The expansion of the Missouri Linked Deposit Program is critical, and taxpayers will be getting a fair return on state deposits for the first time in more than half a century. This legislation costs Missourians nothing; in fact it will return $10 to $15 million per year on taxpayers’ investments when fully phased in." Invest in Missouri, House Bill 883 and Senate Bill 542, enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the legislature, with SB 542 weaving its way to the finish line first. During the entire legislative process, Invest in Missouri, did not register one "No" vote in committee or on the House or Senate floors. Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, sponsored the legislation in the Senate. "Missourians are hurting, and this is timely legislation to help rebuild the economy," Sen. Pearce said. "Invest in Missouri lets us move Missouri’s economy forward with the help of Republicans and Democrats." The House sponsor of Invest in Missouri is Rep. Tim Flook, R-Liberty. Rep. Flook, Rep. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, and Treasurer Zweifel campaigned for the legislation in March. "Passing this bill is the right thing for taxpayers," Rep. Flook said. "Missourians are getting a fair shake on their investments now, and we are doing it all at no cost. This is good government." Invest in Missouri will be delivered to Gov. Nixon’s desk. If signed, the legislation will expand eligibility guidelines for the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. The Missouri Linked Deposit Program is designed to place state funds with community banks at below-market interest rates so the community bank can issue loans to borrowers at a reduced rate. Loan savings are usually 2 to 3 percent to the borrower. The program’s $720 million statutory cap is only about 30-percent utilized. Expanded eligibility guidelines will open up the state’s small business, job creation, agriculture and alternative energy loan programs to more businesses and farmers. Local government assistance linked deposits will also become available as part of the legislation. Additionally, Invest in Missouri will phase out, over five years, the statutory interest rate cap that ties state time deposits to the return of short-term U.S. Treasury securities. That yield has been as low as 0.20 percent of late. Removing the restrictive cap will allow the state to receive a yield closer to the rates offered by banks to an individual, business or any other government entity in Missouri. The market rate currently is about 1.5 percent, resulting in increased returns to taxpayers of about $10 to $15 million per year once fully phased in by law. The legislation was supported by the Missouri Bankers’ Association and the Missouri Independent Bankers’ Association. "I applaud the handlers of this legislation, leadership of both parties and supporters of the bill," Treasurer Zweifel said. "There was commitment to pass this legislation at a critical time in our state, and that is exactly what has been accomplished." [ Read More ] |
| 04-27-2009 |
Treasurer Zweifel Supports Federal Legislation to Help Missourians Find Unredeemed Savings Bonds JEFFERSON CITY- Senate Bill 827 filed in Congress would reunite millions of Americans with matured U.S. Savings Bonds, according to State Treasurer Clint Zweifel. The "Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2009", sponsored by Senator Jay Rockefeller (W.Va.) and Pat Roberts (Kan.), creates a state-federal partnership to help find the owners of more than 40 million savings bonds with a value of more than $16.5 billion, with hundreds of millions going to Missourians. Treasurer Zweifel sent a letter of support for the state-federal partnership to Missouri’s Congressional delegation. "Missourians are holding an estimated $366 million in savings bonds that have matured and no longer earn interest, but the records of these bonds are not easily available," Treasurer Zweifel said." In this economic crisis, there is no better time than now to reunite Missourians with millions of dollars in savings bonds sitting unclaimed and earning nothing for their owners, so I have lent my support to this effort." Missouri already operates a successful unclaimed property program that reunites people with lost bank accounts, insurance policies, shares of stock and other assets. The focus of the program is locating the owners of missing property. In fiscal year 2008, the State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division returned more than $34.5 million in 65,000 accounts to the rightful owners. The "Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2009" would use state unclaimed property programs across the country to make people aware of their unredeemed, matured savings bonds. Senate Bill 827 authorizes a pilot program for the U.S. Treasury to digitize the records of matured savings bonds and create a searchable database. It also creates block grants for states to notify owners and help them redeem their bonds. As always, individual bond holders would have the option of cashing in their bonds or continuing to hold them. Treasurer Zweifel’s Unclaimed Property Division State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s office offers a Web site where citizens can search for unclaimed property and find out how to file a claim, free of charge, at: www.showmemoney.com [ Read More ] |
| 04-24-2009 |
Treasurer Zweifel Scheduled for CNBC’s Squawk Box on Monday, April 27 at 5:45 a.m. State Treasurer Clint Zweifel is scheduled to be on CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss taxpayer investments and Invest in Missouri. What: Treasurer Zweifel scheduled to be on CNBC’s nationally televised Squawk Box program. Who: State Treasurer Clint Zweifel When: Scheduled for Monday, April 27 at approximately 5:45 a.m. Where: Nationally televised Squawk Box program on CNBC. Check local listings for station. [ Read More ] |
| 04-23-2009 |
Invest in Missouri Unanimously Passed By House JEFFERSON CITY – Invest in Missouri passed the Missouri House of Representatives unanimously today 150-0. The passage of the bill, HB 883, puts State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s plan to create and retain jobs and reinvest $1 billion in Missouri communities one step closer to law. Similar legislation, SB 542, has already passed the Senate unanimously, and is expected to be heard by the full House next week. “Rebuilding our economy and putting Missourians back to work are my priorities. This legislation does that by expanding the Missouri Linked Deposit Program and reinvesting in our community banks,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Invest in Missouri is finding great bipartisan support, and I thank Rep. Tim Flook for his sponsorship.” The Missouri Bankers’ Association and Missouri Independent Bankers’ Association are also supporters of the legislation. [ Read More ] |
| 04-21-2009 |
Zweifel Launches Open Government Web Site JEFFERSON CITY - Continuing his commitment to open and transparent government, State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced today the launch of his Open Government Web site: www.treasurer.mo.gov/OpenGovernment.asp. The site offers a consolidated location for open records from Treasurer Zweifel’s office. "Government works best when its business is conducted in an open and accountable environment," Treasurer Zweifel said. "The Open Government site provides several documents, such as the MOST 529 Annual Report, which have not previously been available online, and we are continuing to identify similar documents to post online for easier access by the public." Treasurer Zweifel’s office launched a redesigned Web site in February and has continued to expand the ease-of-use and content of the site. The Open Government site now contains records of investment results, state fund balances, the Missouri Linked Deposits Review Committee, the Missouri Investment Trust and the Missouri Higher Education Savings Program Board, which oversees the MOST 529 College Savings Plan. "My goal is to provide useful information via the Web so that Missourians can monitor my office, ask questions and learn more about their government," Treasurer Zweifel said." I encourage feedback from citizens if they have questions or see room for improvement on the site. It is important Missourians know they can approach us with ideas and questions." [ Read More ] |
| 04-17-2009 |
Invest in Missouri Unanimously Passed By Senate JEFFERSON CITY – Invest in Missouri, Senate Bill 542, passed the Missouri Senate unanimously on Thursday. The passage of the bill puts State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s plan to create and retain jobs and reinvest $1 billion in Missouri communities one step closer to law. “All along this bill has been about rebuilding our economy and putting Missourians back to work by expanding the Missouri Linked Deposit Program and reinvesting in our community banks,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Invest in Missouri found great support in the Senate, and I look forward to working with the House to see that we can reinvest $1 billion in Missouri.” Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg is the sponsor of SB 542. The Missouri Bankers’ Association and Missouri Independent Bankers’ Association are also supporters of the legislation. [ Read More ] |
| 04-08-2009 |
Zweifel Unveils Plan to Manage Recovery Funds JEFFERSON CITY – State Treasurer Clint Zweifel today announced his plan to manage more than $4 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds the state will receive. The State Treasurer’s Office has created two pools in the state treasury for the separate management and investment of the Federal Budget Stabilization Fund and the Federal Stimulus Fund. The federal recovery act distinguishes the two pools as having different purposes, and the creation of each allows for increased transparency and accountability. Treasurer Zweifel also said his office would be able to manage the funds with no increase in staff. [ Read More ] |
| 03-12-2009 |
Zweifel Champions Investing in Missouri As Missouri and the country face economic crisis, State Treasurer Clint Zweifel discussed advancing his strategic initiative to create and retain jobs and reinvest $1 billion in Missouri while at the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce today. Treasurer Zweifel has visited every corner of the state as part of his commitment to job creation and community reinvestment. [ Read More ] |
| 03-06-2009 |
Zweifel and Flook Promote Invest in Missouri LIBERTY, Mo. – State Treasurer Clint Zweifel and State Representative Tim Flook, R-Liberty, were in Liberty today to promote legislation that will return $10 to $15 million on Missouri taxpayers’ investments, and reinvest $1 billion in the state’s economy. The legislation, HB 883, also expands and streamlines the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. Treasurer Zweifel has been traveling across Missouri promoting the legislation, having made stops in Cape Girardeau, Joplin and Springfield. Invest in Missouri legislation, filed in the previous week, removes the statutory interest-rate cap that restricts the amount of return taxpayers earn when their money is invested with community banks as state time deposits. [ Read More ] |
| 02-26-2009 |
INVEST IN MISSOURI Legislation Introduced State Treasurer Clint Zweifel was in Springfield, Mo., and Joplin, Mo., today to announce that State Rep. Tim Flook, R-Liberty, had filed legislation to make INVEST IN MISSOURI law. The legislation would significantly increase community investment, taxpayer return and job creation in Missouri, all with no new spending or new programs. The legislation would enact proposals championed by Treasurer Zweifel as part of his INVEST IN MISSOURI initiative. [ Read More ] |
| 02-20-2009 |
Zweifel Touts INVEST IN MISSOURI in Cape Girardeau State Treasurer Clint Zweifel was in Cape Girardeau at the General Sign Company today to tout INVEST IN MISSOURI, his plan to create and retain Missouri jobs and to reinvest more than $1 billion in communities throughout the state. [ Read More ] |
| 02-17-2009 |
Zweifel Launches Invest in Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel introduced Invest in Missouri today, his statewide initiative to create and retain jobs and to reinvest nearly $1 billion in Missouri communities. [ Read More ] |
| 01-27-2009 |
Zweifel Congratulates Governor Nixon on Setting a Clear Plan for Missouri in State of the State Address te Treasurer Clint Zweifel congratulated Governor Nixon on his State of the State speech, and pledged his full support of Governor Nixon’s proposal to fund the creation of Missouri Promise. Governor Nixon called for the program’s full funding during tonight’s State of the State address. Zweifel previously sponsored the program’s creation in 2008 while he was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives (HB 1693). [ Read More ] |
| 01-16-2009 |
Zweifel Learns Of Madoff Connection to MOSERS Jefferson City, Mo - Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel attended his first official meeting of the MOSERS Board, the state retirement agency, on Thursday and learned that money MOSERS placed with the asset management firm, Silver Creek Capital Management, fed money to Bernie Madoff. This investment resulted in a $3.5 million loss to the state employee retirement fund. Madoff, a financier, is allegedly behind a $50 billion Ponzi scheme. "There has never been a more important time to protect the retirement of hard working Missourians and the investments of taxpayers" said Zweifel. Treasurer Zweifel urges the Board and the staff of MOSERS to implement the following actions to protect investors and taxpayers. * The relationship between MOSERS and Silver Creek should be thoroughly examined and all courses of action should be considered. * Development of policies that promote increased openness and transparency of MOSERS’ investments by defining what issues are appropriate to discuss in open session versus executive session. * Improved and more detailed disclosures so MOSERS board members know and understand how specific investments are performing. * Increased due diligence on asset managers by MOSERS to provide for increased accountability. This is particularly important considering the "fund-of-fund" investment method sometimes used by MOSERS. * We should consider pursuing legal action for plan participants who have been harmed by the decision to invest with a firm that invested with Bernie Madoff. * There needs to be a comprehensive review of all MOSERS investments to ensure there isn’t additional Madoff exposure. "The Board and the MOSERS staff should immediately take steps to remedy the situation at MOSERS" said Zweifel, "It is unfortunate that anyone was affected by Madoff. It is crucial we take immediate action to see that this does not happen again." [ Read More ] |
| 01-05-2009 |
Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel Announces Lead Staff Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel today announced his intention to appoint Mark Mathers to the position of Deputy State Treasurer, Angie Heffner Robyn to the position of General Counsel/Director of Policy and Ken Kuster to the temporary position of Special Advisor to the Treasurer. [ Read More ] |
| 11-18-2008 |
Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel Announces Transition Team Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel today named four Missourians to head his transition efforts to bring greater accountability and transparency to the State Treasurer’s Office. The transition team brings a mix of governmental and private sector experience. [ Read More ] |
| 09-26-2008 |
Zweifel Named Outstanding Legislator The Missouri Progressive Vote Coalition will honor State Representative Clint Zweifel with the Outstanding Legislator Award at Pro-Vote’s 13th Annual Progressive Awards Dinner this Saturday, September 27 at St. Louis’ America’s Center. [ Read More ] |
| 02-17-2008 |
Zweifel Launches INVEST IN MISSOURI State Treasurer Clint Zweifel introduced INVEST IN MISSOURI today, his statewide initiative to create and retain jobs and to reinvest nearly $1 billion in Missouri communities. [ Read More ] |
