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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
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 was passed to overcome this financial barrier. IAble, Iowa?s ABLE plan, has helped over 2,000 individuals with disabilities pursue financial freedom.
 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. Check out some ways we spread the word:
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Social Media:?If you are not following @IowaTreasurer on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, you?re missing out on businesses and individuals I highlight that may have unclaimed money.
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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!
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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.
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Website:?Search in a matter of seconds at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov. 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!
 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.
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 to get started with just $25 and 10 minutes.
 Governor Reynolds' ESA Program
Governor Reynolds signed the Student First Act 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 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 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.
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). 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.
 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, and contact my office if you have any questions.
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