State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick is the latest guest on Politically Speaking, where he talked with St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum about a ballot item that could bolster his office’s ability to invest the state’s money.
Fitzpatrick is a Republican who was easily elected to a full four-year term last year. He was appointed to his post in 2019 after spending about six years in the Missouri House, including a lengthy stint as House Budget Committee chairman.
Here’s what Fitzpatrick discussed during the show:
- Why Missouri is doing well financially. He said the state received more revenue than expected and has ample money in the bank — even before it receives funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Missouri is slated to get around $2.8 billion under the legislation.
- A proposed constitutional amendment that would allow his office to invest in municipal bonds as well as other securities. He said this proposal stems from his office receiving a huge amount of cash over the past couple of years without having much leeway in how to invest it.
- Some of the key changes made for the low-income housing tax credit that could save the state money. Fitzpatrick is a member of the Missouri Housing Development Commission, which oversees the program.
Fitzpatrick served three full terms in the Missouri House, including two years as chairman of the powerful Budget Committee. Gov. Mike Parson appointed him treasurer in early 2019 after Eric Schmitt was picked to be attorney general.
Fitzpatrick is a native of Shell Knob, a community about 40 miles from Branson. He started a dock-repair business while he was in high school, a company that grew dramatically while he was in college.
His name has been floated as a potential candidate for state auditor and the U.S. Senate. Fitzpatrick said he’ll make a decision on whether he’s running for anything in 2022 in the coming days. He can run for another office next year and remain state treasurer if his campaign is unsuccessful.
Follow Jason Rosenbaum on Twitter: @jrosenbaum
Follow Scott Fitzpatrick: @MOTreasurer