‘Tis the Season of Love, Joy, Peace and Happiness
By State Rep Chris Dinkins
Merry Christmas Friends of the 144th!
As the Christmas season is upon us, I hope you will remember those less fortunate than you. I hope you can spread some Christmas cheer if only it is by giving someone a cheerful smile. Be thankful for what you have because there are always others who have less.
Many people in our area are struggling and could use a helping hand. If you are able, consider giving to them personally, the local food pantry, coat closet, senior centers or churches to help those in need. Donating of your time is a precious resource that has more value than you may realize. It doesn’t have to be with an organization, there are many individuals who just want someone to sit and visit with them. The Love, Joy, Peace, and Happiness you share may have much more value than you understand during the holiday season.
Budget Leaders Join Gov. Parson to Announce FY 2024 Consensus Revenue Estimate
Budget leaders from the House and Senate recently worked with Gov. Mike Parson to develop the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.
The annual CRE is a figure established by state budget experts and is one of the basic assumptions used by the governor and legislative leaders to build and balance Missouri’s budget.
The revised estimate for the current fiscal year (FY23) assumes a 1.4 percent increase to $13.1 billion in net general revenue collections. FY22 general revenue collections increased by 14.6 percent compared to FY21 collections.
In the coming fiscal year, state revenues are expected to grow once again, even after passing the largest state income tax in history and returning some of Missourians’ hard-earned dollars back to them. This shows that we can continue historic investments in education, infrastructure, mental health services, and public safety just as we have done. We’ve set a new standard in this state, and we aren’t done. We will continue to do more and do better in this year’s budget proposal.
Parson will detail his proposed budget for FY24 during the State of the State address in January. Lawmakers will begin their work on the state budget during the 2023 legislative session that convenes January 4.
State Treasurer Encourages Missourians to Check for Unclaimed Property
The holiday season is here and once again the Missouri State Treasurer has organized the “12 days of UCP” event to remind Missourians to check the Unclaimed Property list. From now until December 16 the @MOTreasurer social media accounts will encourage Missourians to search the Unclaimed Property database for their names and others they know.
The Treasurer’s Office currently manages over $1 billion in unclaimed assets in more than five million owner accounts. Unclaimed Property is waiting for one in ten Missourians, and the average return is nearly $300. Missourians can search and claim Unclaimed Property year-round at ShowMeMoney.com.
The treasurer’s office holds over $1 billion in Unclaimed Property and we want to return it to rightful owners—especially as we approach the holidays and a little extra money can be helpful.
State law requires financial institutions, insurance companies, public agencies and other business entities to turn over unclaimed assets to the Treasurer’s Office. Most Unclaimed Property consists of cash from bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned. It can also include uncollected insurance policy proceeds, government refunds, utility deposits, and wages from past jobs.
Merry Christmas and as always, I am just a phone call (573-751-2112) away if I can assist you in any way.
