Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel Speaks to RCGA Public Policy Council

On October 21st, Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (D) spoke to the RCGA's Public Policy Council about his efforts to increase state fiscal accountability and improve economic opportunities for Missourians.

Since becoming the State's youngest Treasurer in more than a century in 2008, he has made many improvements to state government. He supported legislation to triple the capacity of the state's low-interest loan program, which has increased St. Louis-area lending from $8 million when he first took office to $125 million today. He also reduced bureaucracy in the State Treasurer's office, with 55% of claims for lost property now being completed online. Treasurer Zweifel also noted that MOST, Missouri's 529 College Savings Plan, went from being ranked 30th in the nation to 5th, and continues to provide an excellent opportunity for Missourians to save for their children's higher education expenses.

Treasurer Zweifel also lauded Missouri as one of only eight states to maintain a AAA credit rating, explaining that the state's high bond rating is a result of the state "only making promises that it can keep." He also emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and positioning Missouri for long-term growth, and expressed disappointment that the legislature failed to pass key strategic economic development initiatives this year.

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