(TOPEKA, Kan.) - Kansas State Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, CPA, announced her Unclaimed Property Division reconnected nearly $600,000 in claims to Kansas citizens during the Kansas State Fair held in September. This is the third largest total returned to residents at the fair since the office began participating in 1983.
For 10 days staffers worked 12 to 13 hour shifts making nearly 15,000 inquiries and finding $568,504 in claims.
"We always look forward to attending the fair," said Lynn Jenkins, Kansas State Treasurer. "It gives us an opportunity to meet fellow Kansans and for them to search our records for cash and other unclaimed property."
"Once again, the fair organizers and city of Hutchinson did a great job," Jenkins added. "The State Fair is a wonderful opportunity for all Kansans to come together to celebrate Kansas and all it has to offer."
The Treasurer's office is making a concentrated effort to unite more Kansans with their assets. The office regularly communicates with community newspapers and other media outlets, holds live telethons and partners with neighboring states.
"We are committed to proactively searching for the rightful owners of the property," Jenkins said.
Currently, the Unclaimed Property division has more than $136 million in outstanding financial assets plus stock with a current market value of $2.1 million for over 650,000 owners. Each year, the Unclaimed Property Division returns approximately $8 million to Kansas citizens.
Jenkins, a former State Representative and Senator from Topeka, was elected Treasurer on Nov. 5, 2002. She is a Certified Public Accountant and former small business owner. Since being sworn into office in January 2003, Jenkins has expanded investment options in Learning Quest, initiated multiple financial literacy programs, and eliminated the reliance on state general fund dollars to operate the office.
