Latest news with #ToddRuss
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State Treasurer urges Oklahomans to search for unclaimed property
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma State Treasurer's Office is reminding Oklahoman residents to check and see if they have unclaimed money waiting for them. As Oklahomans embrace the spirit of spring cleaning, the Oklahoma State Treasurer`s Office According to the State Treasurer's Office, residents should include checking for unclaimed property as its office holds 1.2 billion in unclaimed property with many residents unaware they are owed anything. TFCU hosts Senior Fraud Awareness event 'Spring is a season of renewal, making it the ideal time for Oklahomans to take a fresh look at their finances,' said Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ. 'Just like spring cleaning your home, you can clean up your financial records and you might even uncover money you didn`t realize belonged to you.' Treasury officials say, from forgotten checking accounts to utility refunds and insurance payouts these monies belong to everyday Oklahomans. The Unclaimed Property Program is one of the many ways the Treasurer`s Office empowers individuals to take control of their financial well-being, says Treasury officials. To search and find more information click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklahoma's 529 College Savings Plan celebrates 25th anniversary
For 25 years, Oklahoma families have been using Oklahoma 529 to save for their children's education. As we celebrate this milestone in April — designated as Oklahoma 529 Awareness Month by a proclamation from the governor — there has never been a better time to start saving for your loved one's future. A quality education can open doors to opportunity, and Oklahoma 529 helps make saving for education simple, affordable and effective. Whether planning for college, technical school or even K-12 tuition, Oklahoma 529 offers tax advantages and low costs, potentially helping families maximize their savings. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been Oklahoma 529's commitment to reducing fees. In 2021, we announced a 20% reduction in management fees, saving families more than $500,000 annually. In 2024, we took it even further by cutting fees in half — putting over $1 million back into the pockets of Oklahoma families. Additionally, Oklahoma 529 has no administrative fees, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to save for education. It's no surprise that Morningstar™ analysts have consistently rated Oklahoma 529 as a top-tier plan for the past five years. Oklahoma 529 also has evolved to meet the changing needs of families. In 2021, with the passage of HB 1962, Oklahoma 529 conformed with new federal guidelines, expanding the list of eligible education expenses beyond just college tuition. Then, in 2022, we updated our name from the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan to simply Oklahoma 529, reflecting the broader range of educational opportunities the plan can support. To mark our 25th anniversary, we are excited to launch the Oklahoma 529 25-Year Celebration Sweepstakes. Each month in April, May and June, one lucky winner will receive $529 to help jump-start their education savings. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles — anyone looking to give a child the gift of education — should take advantage of this opportunity. The message is clear: Saving for education is within reach. With Oklahoma 529, even small, regular contributions can add up significantly over time, helping to provide a strong foundation for a student's education. If you haven't yet started an Oklahoma 529 account, now may be the perfect time. Join thousands of Oklahoma families who have already discovered how easy and rewarding it is to save for education. Go to to learn more and enter the 25-Year Celebration Sweepstakes today. Todd Russ is Oklahoma's state treasurer This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: State college savings plan is easy and cost-effective | Opinion
Fox News
21-03-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Deep red state proposal triggers ESG concerns: 'Raises a lot of questions'
Oklahoma's state treasurer is raising concerns about legislation he says could open the door further for the controversial practice of "environmental, social and governance" in the deep red state. Senate Bill 714 would amend the Energy Discrimination Elimination Act of 2022 to take away the treasurer's "enforcement authority" of the law and give it to the state Attorney General's office. The treasurer maintains a list of several banks that cannot do business with the state government of Oklahoma if the institution has publicly expressed opposition to oil and gas companies. Critics argue that wording in the legislation would lower the standards necessary for an institution to be on the list and how agencies enforce it. "The bill actually removes the treasurer from oversight of the investment behaviors of big financial institutions and proposes to put it under the attorney general's office," Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ told Fox News Digital regarding Senate Bill 714. "So, I mean, that alone raises a lot of questions. "As a constitutional officer in the state treasurer in Oklahoma, why would you want someone that doesn't have the constitutional commitment and obligation to oversee the financial investments and affairs of the state to be under the treasury and move it to a different constitutional office?" he continued. The 2022 state law is facing "ongoing" legal challenges, which makes its fate unclear. The law is meant to avoid supporting institutions some leaders see as looking to harm the state's energy industry. "Over the years, those subject matters have become very politicized. I mean, it's not a financial issue. It's a social agenda that they've woven into the investments," Russ said of ESG. "The state of Oklahoma's not trying to get on the other side of that behavior. We're trying to take a stand to say, 'Look, stay out of the political arena with my investments. Our investments.' We are solely concerned about the financial performance and profits of our investment, and we don't want outside people using it for political leverage. So, when it comes to environmental issues, oil and gas is very important to Oklahoma. We don't want them acting against the interests of the oil and gas industry." Fox Business reported in 2023 that the list from Russ resulted from inquiries about energy investment practices to numerous banks, and it bars the banks on the list from partaking in key state investments like pension funds. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office said, "This bill is only necessary because of the treasurer's dismal failure to successfully defend the Oklahoma Energy Discrimination Act of 2022. That was the real slap in the face to the oil and gas industry. "The act prohibits state contracts and pension system investments with financial institutions that discriminate against the oil and gas industry." Republican state Sen. Dave Rader, the bill's sponsor, told Fox News Digital in an email he plans on making some amendments to the legislation, including "further clarifying the definition of boycott energy company to include voting on shareholder proposals which penalize or inflict harm, adding legislative intent to make clear that the purpose of the bill is to protect retirement systems, eliminate the word 'predominantly' in the definition of ordinary business purpose to make clear that any pro-ESG action is not allowable [and] eliminate the inclusion of transaction costs when determining a loss which presumably could keep delay divestment indefinitely." However, Rader's suggested amendments in the email have not yet been made official, according to the Oklahoma State Legislature's website, where the legislative text is shown. The legislation would need to go to a vote in the full Senate by March 27 before potentially heading to the state House of Representatives.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Show you care for your loved ones in a different way this Valentine's Day
Celebrate Valentine's Day differently this year while still expressing love and care for those who matter most. Flowers and chocolates are thoughtful gifts, but there's another unique and lasting way to show you care — by helping your loved ones reclaim money that rightfully belongs to them. More: There's a million unclaimed properties in Oklahoma. Are you owed money? How to find out My office safeguards more than $1 billion in unclaimed property, including old bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, utility refunds and life insurance benefits. These assets often become unclaimed due to moves, life changes or even the passing of a loved one. Helping someone recover these funds could be an unexpected but meaningful way to make their day special. As your state treasurer, reconnecting Oklahomans with their unclaimed property is a duty I take seriously. The process is simple and free — you can search in minutes at Just enter a name, whether yours, a family member's or even a friend's, and see if any assets are waiting to be claimed. Most claims only require basic identification and documents, and additional records like a will or death certificate may be needed. More: Stumped on what to get your Valentine? Options for the food lover in your life Imagine the impact of recovering funds for someone you love. These reclaimed assets can ease financial stress, help with unexpected expenses or even contribute to long-term goals like paying off debt, building savings or funding a dream vacation. Many Oklahomans even pay it forward by donating these recovered funds to local charities, spreading kindness in their communities. Reclaiming unclaimed property doesn't just help individuals — it strengthens our communities. When these dollars are spent at local businesses, restaurants or service providers, they support jobs, boost the economy and fund nonprofit services that make a difference. Even small amounts can significantly impact, especially in rural areas where every dollar matters. This Valentine's Day, consider giving the gift of financial security. Take a few minutes to check for unclaimed property at for yourself or someone you care about. It's a simple act of kindness that costs nothing but could mean everything to the people you love. Together, we can help Oklahomans reclaim what's rightfully theirs and strengthen our families, communities and state. Todd Russ serves as the Oklahoma state treasurer. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How to search for unclaimed property that may be yours | Opinion
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amazon, Alphabet Targeted as Oklahoma Joins Anti-DEI Investor Ranks
(Bloomberg) -- Oklahoma is poised to become the first Republican state to try to use its influence as an investor to end DEI in corporate America, targeting companies including Inc. and Alphabet Inc. in shareholder proxy proposals. State Farm Seeks Emergency California Rate Hike After Fires NYC's Newest Transit Leader Builds a Worker-Driven Strategy New York's First 'Passive House' School Is a Model of Downtown Density Transportation Memos Favor Places With Higher Birth and Marriage Rates When French Communists Went on a Brutalist Building Boom Using an increasingly popular tactic among conservative investors who are going after everything from Wall Street banks to health-care giants, Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ is planning to confront six companies that the state invests in through its $2 billion Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. The other companies are Netflix Inc., Lululemon Athletica Inc., GoDaddy Inc. and Yum! Brands Inc. Russ is calling for 'political neutrality' in the companies' policies and partnerships, including challenging 'radical' political giving and donations to organizations such as Human Rights Campaign, which advocates for LGBTQ rights. He's also seeking equal treatment for religious employee groups in the workplace. Although anti-DEI shareholder proposals have historically received only about 2% investor support, the move is designed to raise visibility and combat the power of progressive funds from California and New York, which for years have pushed businesses on everything from disclosing their greenhouse gas emissions to undergoing racial-equity audits. The conservative assault against DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) has gathered renewed strength in recent weeks as President Donald Trump sets about keeping his campaign promise to dismantle DEI in the federal government and American companies. More than 30 companies are facing shareholder resolutions on DEI issues this year thanks to proposals from groups including the National Center for Public Policy Research, Alliance Defending Freedom and the Heritage Foundation. The proposals are non-binding, but resolutions that receive at least 30% support can often inspire changes in corporate behavior. 'The fiduciary obligation of a publicly traded company is to maximize their earnings for their shareholders,' Oklahoma's Russ said in an interview. When boards 'double down on things like DEI, and that ends up in the boardroom, they muddy the waters on real fiduciary obligations,' he said. A spokesperson for declined to comment. Representatives for Google parent Alphabet, Netflix, Lululemon, Yum! and GoDaddy didn't respond to requests seeking comment. The rise in anti-DEI shareholder resolutions doesn't mean that they will get any closer to passing, said Michael Passoff, founder and CEO of Proxy Impact, which works with investors supporting environmental, social and governance issues, including DEI. He said the proposals often fail because they lack a financial argument. 'Many of the resolutions that are filed by these groups are more about their values or viewpoints than the financial materiality of what they're asking,' Passoff said. --With assistance from Saijel Kishan. Amazon and SpaceX Want In on India's Satellite Internet Market Elon Musk Inside the Treasury Department Payment System Inside Elon Musk's Attack on the US Government The NFL's Flawed DEI Program Still Beats What Most Companies Are Doing The Internet Almost Killed Barnes & Noble, Then Saved It ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
