State Treasurer Curtis Loftis Uncovers 23 State Lawmakers On Unclaimed Property List
June 1, 2012
Treasurer Loftis says new media efforts may yield potentiallythousands of dollars owed to lawmakers. List underscores importance ofprogram which returned nearly $13 million in 2011.
COLUMBIA, SC – June 1, 2012 – State Treasurer Curtis Loftis announcedresults of an experimental social media push that encouraged citizens tocheck the Treasurer’s website for unclaimed property. The Treasureralso checked South Carolina State lawmakers finding 23 members are onthe list: 17 State Representatives and six State Senators.
“Thisdemonstrates how important the Unclaimed Property program is and justhow many people are owed money,” Treasurer Loftis said. “If a simplesearch of state lawmakers uncovers nearly two dozen names, imagine thenumbers of people who are owed money statewide. This is why it is vitalthat the Treasurer’s Office has all of the tools available to returnmoney to its rightful owner.”
The state Senate passed a provisoallowing the Treasurer’s Office to join 40 other states in a multi-stateaudit of major out of state companies, like insurance, mortgage andbrokerage companies, which are most likely to be holding unclaimedproperty. The bill is awaiting House approval.
In the past 10years, $80 million has been returned to South Carolina citizens. Overthat same time period, nearly $175 million has been remitted to thegeneral fund of the state that could be used to pay for education,healthcare and law enforcement. In fiscal year 2010-2011, the programpaid out $12.6 million to rightful owners and turned over another $15million to the general fund. Currently, the state is holding nearly $300million in unclaimed funds.
Using the Treasurer’s Twitterhandle, @Treasurerloftis, this search uncovered money for statelawmakers, lobbyists, a state Party Chairman, a Columbia newspaperjournalist and a notable political blogger.
“In this special experiment, we were able to uncover amountsranging from $104 to $8,000, “Treasurer Loftis said. One of the bestparts of my job is returning money to rightful owners. I encourageeveryone to go to the Treasurer’s website, www.treasurer.sc.gov and check their name on the Unclaimed Property link. We are hopefulwith expanded abilities; we will be able to return even more money tothe citizens of South Carolina.”
CLICK HERE to see the list of state lawmakers on the Unclaimed Property list.
CLICK HERE to search for unclaimed property using Treasurer.sc.gov.
