Disability Pride Month, Reuniting Iowans with Unclaimed Money and More!





Treasurer Smith: Protecting Iowa's Money





Newsletter



June 14, 2023





Can you believe it? We are halfway through the year! Life goes by fast, and that is no exaggeration. Whether you are pursuing financial freedom, searching for your lost funds, sending your child off to higher education or wanting to start a small business, I hope the tips in this newsletter help you make the most of the remainder of 2023.

Roby Smith
Iowa State Treasurer

________________________________________________________________________



Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Celebrating Disability Pride Month

*Commemorating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
*Denied jobs. Restricted access to public spaces. Limited support in school.

Before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990, this was an unfair reality for many individuals with disabilities. July is Disability Pride Month to commemorate the passing of the ADA, and IAble proudly supports the campaign embracing the "ability "in disability.

While the ADA was extremely successful in breaking down barriers, there were still restrictions on how much money an individual with a disability could save without the risk of losing crucial federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Over 20 years after the ADA was passed, the monumental Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act [ [link removed] ] was passed to overcome this financial barrier. IAble, Iowa?s ABLE plan, has helped over 2,000 individuals with disabilities pursue financial freedom.

*Learn how IAble is helping to overcome financial insecurity (PDF).* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Reuniting Iowans With Their Money
Reuniting Iowans with their Money

*How the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt connects with owners.
*Safekeeping Iowans' unclaimed money is a crucial part of my role as Treasurer. This includes returning unclaimed property to its rightful owner through the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt [ [link removed] ]. Check out some ways we spread the word:


* **Social Media:?**If you are not following @IowaTreasurer on Instagram [ [link removed] ], Facebook [ [link removed] ] and Twitter [ [link removed] ], you?re missing out on businesses and individuals I highlight that may have unclaimed money.
* *Events: *What?s better than fried Oreos or a foot-long corndog? Finding your unclaimed property! The Iowa State Fair is quickly approaching, and once again, you will be able to find our booth at the Varied Industries Building to search and get advice from experts. We?re the booth with all of the computers ? can?t miss it!
* **Letters:?**Each year we send a letter to an owner?s last known address informing them about property they might have to claim. If you receive one, follow the instructions on the letter to start your search at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov [ [link removed] ].
* **Website:?**Search in a matter of seconds at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov [ [link removed] ]. It?s a no-obligation, free and secure way to see if you, a family member, friend or favorite business has money to claim. If you find your name, you can make a claim right there!

*Start Your Search* [ [link removed] ]


________________________________________________________________________



Using Funds in a College Savings Iowa Account
Using Funds in a College Savings Iowa Account

*Graduation? Check. Paying the first tuition bill? Um...
*Higher education institutions will soon ask for the first tuition payment to cover your scholar?s fall semester. If you are a College Savings Iowa Participant and this is your ?first rodeo,? don?t panic. We are here to help.

*Follow these tips to make a withdrawal (PDF).* [ [link removed] ]


Haven?t started saving yet? It?s not too late! Whether you have an infant, a student in high school or a scholar pursuing graduate school, saving now could cost much less than borrowing later. Visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com [ [link removed] ] to get started with just $25 and 10 minutes.

________________________________________________________________________



In Case You Missed It
In Case You Missed It: Governor Reynolds' ESA Program

*Governor Reynolds' ESA Program
*Governor Reynolds signed the Student First Act [ [link removed] ] into law in January 2023, which made state education funding available for K-12 students who choose to attend private schools through the Student First Education Savings Account (ESA) program. The program officially launched May 31.

"What should College Savings Iowa Participants know?
"If you are a current College Savings Iowa [ [link removed] ] Participant, or thinking about opening an account for a student in your life, it?s important to know funds in your account can be used for tuition above and beyond what the State provides through the ESA program (up to $10,000 annually). Whether you choose to use your College Savings Iowa funds for K-12 expenses [ [link removed] ] or at a college, university, trade school or apprenticeship program, the Plan can help your family reach your savings goals. For additional details about the Plan, read the Program Description [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________



Helping Small Business Owners

Helping Small Business Owners

*Providing capital to small businesses.
*If you are an individual looking for a way to fund a new small business or expand your current one, consider Linked Investments for Tomorrow (LIFT) [ [link removed] ]. Through this program, I provide capital to small businesses owned and operated in the state by depositing money into financial institutions, who then provide loans to qualified borrowers.

Treasurer deposits money into financial institutions, who then provides loans to qualified borrowers.

One-half of the money allocated for LIFT is reserved for small businesses that are 51% or more owned, operated and actively managed by one or more women, minority persons or individuals with disabilities. Now that?s empowerment! Learn more by visiting IowaLIFT.gov [ [link removed] ], and contact my office if you have any questions.

________________________________________________________________________









State of Iowa Treasurers Office

facebook [ [link removed] ]twitter [ [link removed] ]youtube [ [link removed] ]instagram [ [link removed] ]




You are currently signed up to receive messages from the State of Iowa Treasurer's Office. Click on the links below to contact us, get further help or manage your subscription. The service is provided for you free of charge by the State of Iowa.

Contact Us [ [link removed] ] ??|?? Help [ [link removed] ] ??|?? Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ]





________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: State of Iowa ? 1007 E Grand Ave ? Des Moines, IA 50319 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]

body .abe-column-block { min-height: 5px; } table.gd_combo_table img {margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px;} table.gd_combo_table div.govd_image_display img, table.gd_combo_table td.gd_combo_image_cell img {margin-left:0px; margin-right:0px;}