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Give Thanks

I know many are ready to dig out the tinsel and ornaments, but I encourage you to wait a bit and savor Thanksgiving’s turkey and stuffing first.

In today’s fast-paced world, many don’t have the time to pause and find gratitude – we’re too busy moving on to the next thing! So today, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on all I’m grateful for this year.

From a work perspective, our team has done an incredible job. We were able to celebrate the return of $100 million in unclaimed money since I took office and the fact that these returns were made at a record-breaking pace thanks to a little innovation and a lot of hard work.

Meanwhile, our College and Career Savings team enrolled hundreds of families in college and career savings plans, putting numerous young people on a path toward achieving their God-given potential.

At the same time, our Investment Team recovered the MPACT Legacy Plan’s funding, a feat once thought unimaginable. When I first took office, the plan was just 72 percent funded, meaning taxpayers were on the hook for roughly $125 million. Today, the Legacy Plan is funded at 100.1 percent, likely avoiding the need for a bailout (something we can all be grateful for!) This team also produced $375 million in investment returns during the last fiscal year, further lightening the load for hardworking taxpayers.

As we look toward next year, we have a lot more to be thankful and excited for. With President-elect Trump taking office in January, I’m optimistic America’s economy, border, and patriotism will be stronger than ever. I firmly believe his economic plan will bring jobs home, secure American energy dominance, and deliver prosperity once again.

But even as I give thanks for the political and professional progress made over the last year, there is no doubt that I am most grateful for my family. My wife, Katie, and our kids are an incredible support and inspiration to me. To them, I want to say a special thank you today.

Of course, the ultimate gratitude must be extended to the Creator of all we have. As it is sung in Psalm 136: “Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”

With that in mind, please join me in pausing this Thanksgiving to consider what you’re grateful for and to give thanks to the one who provided it. From my family to yours, have a happy Thanksgiving.