Criminals don’t stop at state lines, and neither should the people working to protect your money. Unfortunately, that hasn’t always been the case. Earlier this year, I joined the U.S. Department of Justice in signing a first-of-its-kind data-sharing agreement designed to help agencies like the Mississippi Treasury exchange information about potential fraud across state lines. I was also invited to … Read More

Recently, the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT) held its annual conference in Atlanta. As a member of the NASACT board, I attend each year to share some of Mississippi’s successes and learn from the innovations taking place in states across the country. This year, I’m pleased to report that Mississippi came home with a little recognition … Read More

I was on my way to a U.S. history class the morning of September 11, 2001. I can’t remember which period of history we were supposed to cover that day, but what I do remember is realizing, even then, that we were living through a moment that would be written into American history books forever. Like so many reading this … Read More

1996. It was the year “Independence Day” hit theaters – the year “The Macarena” spent 14 weeks at the top of the charts. Americans tuned in to Fox News Channel for the first time and lined up to get their hands on the new Nintendo 64. The Olympics came to Atlanta, but Michael Jordan earned his fourth NBA Championship with … Read More

The hustle and bustle of a new school year has already begun, at least in the McRae household. It’s a time filled with new teachers, new school supplies, and, of course, new routines. As Mississippi families settle into those routines, I’d encourage you to consider adding one more: regularly setting aside money for your child’s future. The cost of education … Read More

Nonprofits are known for their good deeds and critical work in our communities. August 17 is National Nonprofit Day. Usually, I take this time of year to encourage nonprofit organizations across Mississippi to search for unclaimed money in their organization’s name – and I’m going to do the same this year. Nonprofits provide critical services and impact our communities in … Read More

President Trump’s efforts to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse are producing real results. Recently, the U.S. Department of the Treasury prevented nearly $100 million in improper federal payments from being sent to deceased individuals – another reminder that protecting taxpayer dollars starts with stopping fraud before the money ever leaves the government. This success is the result of an expanded payment verification … Read More

Earlier this year, a fraudster attempted to steal nearly $800,000 from Mississippi’s unclaimed money program.  On paper, the claim looked legitimate. There was a birth certificate, supporting documentation, and a request to send money to a real bank account at a respected financial institution. But my team had a gut feeling, so they refused to just rubber stamp it. Instead, they dug a little deeper and found a sophisticated fraud scheme. Although the paperwork … Read More

Earlier this year, Forbes ranked the Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) plan among the top six 529 options in the nation. Now, we’re making one of the country’s best college savings plans even more affordable. Beginning August 3, MACS fees will be reduced by nearly 20 percent, helping Mississippi families keep more of their hard-earned money invested for the future. At the same … Read More

In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced U.S. Savings Bonds to give American families a safe way to invest in our country while saving for their children’s future. During World War II, buying a Savings Bond became more than a financial decision – it became an act of patriotism, allowing ordinary Americans to support our troops and help fund the … Read More