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June 8, 2017 News Release May Brings another Month of Growth to Gross Receipts to the Treasury Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – May Gross Receipts to the Treasury continued a trend of rising collections that began at the start of the calendar year, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. May receipts of $854.8 million are up by $72.3 million, or 9.2 percent, compared to May of 2016. Except for March, collections during each month of 2017 have shown growth.  “Our analysis of all major sources...Read More

June 1, 2017 News Release Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan launches Summer Savings Adventure Sweepstakes One lucky winner will receive $5,529 toward college savings OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller and representatives from a pair of Oklahoma City Adventure District destinations today announced the launch of the 2017 Summer Savings Adventure Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes will see one Oklahoma child win $5,529 toward an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account.  Miller, board chair of the OCSP,...Read More

May 22, 2017 News Release Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan offers bonus contribution for new accounts National 529 Day is a great time to plant seeds for the future OKLAHOMA CITY – For three days leading up to National 529 Day, May 29, officials with the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan are offering new account holders some extra seed money to encourage Oklahoma families to start saving for college.  Accounts opened from May 24-26 will be eligible for a $25 bonus contribution from the Oklahoma 529 College Savings...Read More

May 11, 2017 News Release Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan investors see fee cut Account owners expected to save $360,000 annually Oklahomans saving for college through the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) will see a greater percentage of their contributions invested for future higher education expenses as the plan manager reduces fees by 14 percent.  The fee reduction went into effect on May 11 and could save OCSP account owners a combined total of approximately $360,000 annually. The...Read More

May 5, 2017 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury in April Show Growth for Third Time since New Year Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – April Gross Receipts to the Treasury are higher than the same month of last year, marking the third time in four months that collections have shown growth, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. April receipts of $1.2 billon are up by $34.1 million, or 2.9 percent, compared to April of 2016. Collections in January and February of this year also showed growth, while March totals were...Read More

April 28, 2017 News Release Annual Tobacco Settlement Payment Received OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced receipt of a $78 million payment from the tobacco industry under the national Master Settlement Agreement. With this latest annual payment, Oklahoma has received a total of $1.4 billion since 1999. Treasurer Miller said 75 percent of the payment, or $58.5 million, went immediately into the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund for investment, as mandated by the Oklahoma...Read More

April 4, 2017 News Release After Two Months of Growth, Gross Receipts to the Treasury Notch Downward in March Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury in March fell below collections from March of last year following two months in which receipts showed marginal growth, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today during a news conference at the State Capitol. March collections of $915 million were down by $25.5 million, or 2.7 percent, compared to March 2016 receipts. In January and February,...Read More

March 7, 2017 News Release February Gross Receipts to the Treasury Show Slight Improvement Over Prior Year Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury in February were slightly higher than those in the same month of last year. It marked a second month of positive growth following 20 months of contraction, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. February also marked the first increase in sales tax collections since March of last year and only the fourth month of positive sales tax numbers in the...Read More

March 1, 2017 News Release Treasurer Miller Responds to Oklahoma Ratings Downgrade by S&P Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings today announced it has lowered Oklahoma’s bond ratings by one notch. The S&P report can be found here: https://go.usa.gov/xX3Dh. “Today’s announced downgrade of Oklahoma’s credit rating should come as no surprise to anyone who follows state finance,” said State Treasurer Ken Miller. “During my time as treasurer, other state leaders and I have worked to...Read More

February 7, 2017 News Release January Brings End to 20-Month Slide in Gross Receipts to the Treasury Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury grew in January, spelling an end to a 20-month string of shrinking collections, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. At $990.5 million, January Gross Receipts to the Treasury expanded by $5.1 million, or 0.5 percent, compared to January of 2016, driven primarily by increasing oil and gas gross production collections. “Low prices and...Read More

February 1, 2017 News Release Time running out to enter Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Making a Difference Essay Contest Feb. 15 deadline to enter for a chance to win $1,529 contribution to OCSP account OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahomans participating in the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan have until Feb. 15 to enter the Making a Difference Essay Contest for a chance to win $1,529 toward their account. “This contest is an opportunity for account holders to share their stories of how saving for college has made or will make a difference in their...Read More

January 6, 2017 News Release Calendar Year 2016 Gross Receipts to the Treasury Show Ongoing Impact of Energy Sector Contraction Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury during the 2016 calendar year are less than receipts from 2015, marking a second consecutive calendar year of contraction, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Annual Gross Receipts to the Treasury shrank by 7.4 percent compared to calendar year 2015, and – at $10.78 billion – is the lowest 12-month total since January 2012. During...Read More

December 7, 2016 News Release Oil and Gas Gross Revenue Continues Climb as Sales and Income Taxes Decline Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – For a second month, November tax collections from the production of oil and natural gas exceeded collections from the same month of the prior year, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury Report. Prior to October, gross production tax collections had been lower than the prior year each month since December 2014. In November,...Read More

November 8, 2016 News Release Oil and Gas Tax Collections Rise in October Gross Receipts Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – For the first time in almost two years, October tax collections from the production of oil and natural gas topped collections from the same month of the prior year, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury report. While still significantly lower than collections prior to the ongoing oil price slump, October gross production...Read More

October 6, 2016 News Release State Gross Receipts to the Treasury Fall in September Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury in September fell by almost 10 percent compared to the same month of the prior year, continuing a 19-month contraction in the broad measure of state economic activity, State Treasurer Ken Miller said during a State Capitol news conference on Thursday. September collections were $939.6 million. The last time September collections were lower was in 2010,...Read More

September 13, 2016 News Release Treasurer Miller Elected President of National Association of State Treasurers SEATTLE, WA – The National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) elected Oklahoma State Treasurer Ken Miller as its 2017 president during the association’s annual conference currently underway in Seattle. Elected by acclamation late yesterday, Miller is the first Oklahoman in NAST’s 40-year history to serve as president of the association. “It is an honor to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as president of...Read More

September 6, 2016 News Release State Gross Receipts to the Treasury continue fall as state unemployment tops national rate Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury continued their downward trajectory for an 18th consecutive month in August as unemployment figures released late in the month show Oklahoma’s jobless numbers exceed the national rate for the first time in almost 26 years. Reports released today by State Treasurer Ken Miller show gross receipts – which provide a broad view of state economic activity...Read More

September 1, 2016 News Release OCSP celebrates College Savings Month with launch of VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes Fans can win tickets and VIP experience for OSU, OU college football games OKLAHOMA CITY – For college football fans, September typically marks the beginning of a new season on the gridiron. Officials with the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan celebrate September for another reason – it’s the month recognized each year as the official Oklahoma College Savings Month. This year, Oklahoma 529 College...Read More

August 24, 2016 News Release $26.3 Million in Tobacco Trust Earnings Certified OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Board of Investors has preliminarily certified $26.3 million in earnings for use in the coming year to fund prevention and reduction of tobacco use and other health issues, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Miller is chairman of the board that oversees investment of Oklahoma’s share of the national Master Settlement Agreement. The board...Read More

August 5, 2016 News Release Current Downturn in Gross Receipts Lasting Longer than During Great Recession Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – The ongoing contraction in state Gross Receipts to the Treasury has now lasted longer than the downturn experienced from the Great Recession, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the July revenue report. The current decline has thus far lasted 17 months, while the previous contraction ended after 14 months. From the last peak, in February 2015, 12-month collections have...Read More

July 6, 2016 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Show Ongoing Economic Contraction Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Gross Receipts to the Treasury continued on a downward trajectory during the month of June and Fiscal Year 2016, as economic data released during the month shows the state entered a recession more than a year ago, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today during a State Capitol news conference. Receipts from all major revenue streams – income, sales, gross production, and motor...Read More

June 6, 2016 News Release May Gross Receipts to the Treasury Hit Six-Year Low Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury report indicates continued contraction in the state economy as collections are the lowest May total in six years, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. All major revenue streams – income, sales, gross production, and motor vehicle taxes – are lower than the prior year. The monthly bottom line has been less than...Read More

May 26, 2016 News Release Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan, Oklahoma City Zoo launch Summer Savings Adventure Sweepstakes One winner will receive $5,529 toward college savings, and Zoo prize OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller and officials from the Oklahoma City Zoo today announced the launch of the statewide 2016 Summer Savings Adventure Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes will see one Oklahoma child win $5,529 toward an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account, and a gift basket from the Zoo. Miller, board chair of the OCSP,...Read More

May 24, 2016 News Release Phone Scam Returns, Treasurer Miller Warns OKLAHOMA CITY–Scam artists, who first showed up in April making threatening phone calls claiming they were from the state treasurer’s office, are at it again, State Treasurer Ken Miller warned today. This week, dozens of state residents report they have received calls that Caller ID shows are coming from the treasurer’s office in Oklahoma City; however, the calls are actually coming from New York. The person on the...Read More

May 6, 2016 News Release Gross Oil and Gas Tax Collections Reach 17-Year Low Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – April Gross Receipts to the Treasury marked one year of contraction as taxes on the production of oil and natural gas reached a low not seen in 17 years, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. At $20.8 million, monthly collections from oil and natural gas production are the lowest since May 1999. Gross production collections continue a 16-month trend of being less than the...Read More

May 2, 2016 News Release ICYMI -- Tulsa World Editorial: Treasurer Miller fights for life insurance beneficiaries Posted: Monday, May 2, 2016 Oklahoma treasurer Ken Miller speaking on 60 Minutes to Lesley Stahl. Video screengrab via CBS News Congratulations to state Treasurer Ken Miller for successfully fending off insurance lobby attacks on his program to connect lost heirs to justly deserved life insurance benefits. Miller has aggressively joined with other states to find unclaimed policies and notify the rightful...Read More

April 27, 2016 News Release Oklahoma Receives $76 Million Tobacco Settlement Payment OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced receipt of a $76 million annual payment from the tobacco industry under the national Master Settlement Agreement. With the latest payment, Oklahoma has received a total of $1.32 billion since 1999. Miller said 75 percent of the annual receipts, or $57 million, went immediately into the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund as required by the Oklahoma Constitution....Read More

April 12, 2016 News Release Unclaimed Property Program and Treasurer Miller to be featured on CBS News' 60 Minutes this Sunday OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller and his battle against life insurance companies that are trying to keep Oklahomans from receiving death benefits will be featured on the long-running CBS News program 60 Minutes this Sunday evening. The story by CBS News Correspondent Lesley Stahl will expose the tactics and motivation behind efforts in several states by life insurance companies to block unclaimed property programs from...Read More

April 11, 2016 News Release Treasurer Miller Warns of Phone Scam  OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today warned Oklahomans of a scam involving threatening telephone calls that appear to come from the Oklahoma State Treasurer’s Office, but are actually originating in New York. Several state residents report they have received calls that Caller ID shows are coming from the treasurer’s office in Oklahoma City; however, a call back number traces to Brooklyn, New York....Read More

April 6, 2016 News Release Continued Slide Seen in March Gross Receipts to the Treasury Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – March Gross Receipts to the Treasury are the lowest March total in four years, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. March receipts of $940.4 million are less than March of last year by almost $17 million, or 1.8 percent. It marked an 11th consecutive month of falling collections. At $11.4 billion, 12-month Gross Receipts to the Treasury are the lowest since October 2013....Read More

March 14, 2016 News Release Miller Vows Continued Fight against Legislation Favoring Insurance Companies over Consumers OKLAHOMA CITY– State Treasurer Ken Miller today vowed to continue his fight against out-of-state insurance companies employing deceitful lobby tactics to push through legislation that would keep thousands of Oklahoma widows and children from receiving life insurance policy proceeds. Miller is opposing Senate Bill 298, which is currently assigned to the House Appropriations and Budget Committee where Chairman Earl Sears has said...Read More

March 7, 2016 News Release Treasurer Miller Responds to Renewed Efforts to Enact Anti-Consumer Protection Legislation OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller reacted strongly today to renewed efforts to enact anti-consumer legislation backed by out-of-state life insurance companies. Senate Bill 298, authored by Senator Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, and Representative Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa, is currently assigned to the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, where Chairman Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville, has refused to give it a hearing. For...Read More

March 3, 2016 News Release February Gross Receipts to the Treasury Show Continued Contraction Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury in February continued the trend of falling revenue collections for a 10th consecutive month, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. February receipts of $758.5 million are down by almost $90 million, or more than 10 percent, compared to February of last year. It is the lowest February total since 2011 as the Oklahoma economy was...Read More

February 10, 2016 News Release Unclaimed Property Marketing Campaign Launched OKLAHOMA CITY  – A television and internet marketing campaign was launched this week to help Oklahomans find and claim their unclaimed property, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. The public service announcements feature a character named Sirius Lee Scissortail, Oklahoma’s Treasure Catcher, who encourages Oklahomans to visit OKTreasure.com to search for their unclaimed property. The 30-second...Read More

February 5, 2016 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Plunge at Start of 2016 Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – Monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury in January took their largest plunge in more than five years, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. January collections of $985.4 million are down by almost $150 million, or more than 13 percent, compared to the same month of the prior year. It is the first double-digit percentage reduction in monthly gross receipts since the...Read More

January 8, 2016 News Release Treasurer Miller Prepares for Unclaimed Property Battle OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller is preparing for battle in the coming legislative session against special interest groups who are attempting to cripple the state’s unclaimed property program. “We expect the unclaimed property program to again come under attack this session,” he said. “Safeguarding this premier consumer protection program will be a top priority of the treasurer’s...Read More

January 7, 2016 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Shrink During 2015 Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury during the 2015 calendar year are less than the prior calendar year, the first time that has happened since the end of the Great Recession in 2009, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Annual Gross Receipts to the Treasury contracted by 3 percent compared to calendar year 2014, and – at $11.65 billion – are the lowest 12-month total...Read More

January 4, 2016 News Release Treasurer Miller applauds passage of PATH Act of 2015 Federal legislation enhances and improves 529 college savings plans for American families OKLAHOMA CITY – Parents and grandparents who are using the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan to prepare or pay for their loved ones’ college education can now take advantage of new perks. On December 18, 2015, Congress passed and the president signed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015. One...Read More

December 11, 2015 News Release Treasurer Miller announces winner of 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan awards $10,529 for college savings account to  Mustang Public Schools student Zane Connelly; Canyon Ridge Intermediate School wins $10,529 in cash   MUSTANG – State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today that for the second straight year, a Mustang Public Schools student is the winner of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes....Read More

December 7, 2015 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Continue Fall in November Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury are lower than the same month of the prior year for a seventh consecutive month as low oil prices and reduced consumer spending shrank the bottom line in November, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Twelve-month Gross Receipts to the Treasury also contracted, as total collections continued an eight-month downward trend and are the lowest...Read More

November 3, 2015 News Release All Major Revenue Streams Shrink in October Gross Receipts to the Treasury Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – For a sixth consecutive month, Gross Receipts to the Treasury are lower than the same month of the prior year as every major revenue stream shows contraction in October, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Twelve-month Gross Receipts to the Treasury also reflect an economic pullback as collection totals are the lowest in 16 months. “The spillover effect of low oil...Read More

October 7, 2015 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Continue to Shrink in September Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY– For the first time in almost five years, 12-month Gross Receipts to the Treasury are less than the previous 12-month period. Collections during September, at 4.6 percent below the same month of last year, pushed 12-month collections to 0.5 percent below the previous period, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. This is the fifth consecutive time the monthly comparison has been...Read More

September 16, 2015 News Release Treasurer Miller announces return of 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan to give one student $10,529 college savings account and award student’s school $10,529 in cash NORMAN – State Treasurer Ken Miller finished his schooling long ago, but that hasn’t stopped him from returning to elementary school the past three years. Miller, who serves as board chair for the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP), made a special appearance at...Read More

September 3, 2015 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Continue to Fall in August Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY– Gross Receipts to the Treasury in August dropped 3.5 percent below collections from the same month of the prior year. This is the fourth consecutive month and the fifth time in six months the year-over-year comparison has been negative, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. As has been the case for nine of the past 10 months, collections from oil and natural gas production taxes...Read More

August 19, 2015 News Release Oklahoma Pension Fund Earnings Drop OKLAHOMA CITY – Each of Oklahoma’s seven public pension funds have seen a significant drop in investment earnings during the past fiscal year, according to a report presented to members of the Oklahoma Pension Commission on Wednesday. The report by the commission’s consultant, NEPC, shows the $28.8 billion invested by the state’s public pensions gained on average only 3.6 percent during FY-15, compared to...Read More

August 19, 2015 News Release $42.8 Million in Tobacco Trust Earnings Certified OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Board of Investors has preliminarily certified $42.8 million in earnings for use in the coming year to fund prevention and reduction of tobacco use and other health issues, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Miller is chairman of the board that oversees investment of Oklahoma’s share of the national Master Settlement Agreement. The board certified the...Read More

August 19, 2015 News Release Treasurer Miller Comments on Pension Earnings Drop OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller, chair of the Oklahoma State Pension Commission, offered his reaction to the report received on Wednesday showing investment earnings for each of the state’s seven public pension systems in Fiscal Year 2015 were down substantially from the prior year. While the precipitous drop was not unexpected and is similar to investment returns from public pension funds throughout the nation,...Read More

August 13, 2015 News Release Three Oklahoma children win college savings head start Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan ‘Think Big! Save for College!’ sweepstakes winners announced; Grand prize winner claims $2,529 toward college savings account Three Oklahoma children have a jump start on their college savings goals after they were selected as winners of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan “Think Big! Save for College!” Sweepstakes. State Treasurer Ken Miller, board chairman of the...Read More

August 5, 2015 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Drop at Start of New Fiscal Year Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury in July fell 5 percent below collections from the same month of the prior year. This is the third consecutive month and the fourth time in five months the year-over-year comparison has been negative, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Lower collections from taxes on income and on the production of oil and natural gas provided the downward push in...Read More

July 8, 2015 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Slip Again in June Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – For a second consecutive month, and the fourth time this fiscal year, monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury were less than collections from the prior year, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced at a State Capitol news conference on Wednesday. June gross receipts fell slightly below $1 billion and were 3.9 percent less than in June of last year. Collections from the production of...Read More

June 23, 2015 News Release Tulsa baby wins $5,529 toward college savings account Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan jumpstarts college savings account for Tulsa girl TULSA – Daniel Mow understands the importance of preparation. The Tulsa music instructor preaches that concept to his students – you have to be prepared so you can seize your big break when the opportunity arrives. So when Mow and his wife, Samantha, found out their infant daughter, Riley, was the winner of the Oklahoma...Read More

June 3, 2015 News Release May Gross Receipts to the Treasury Fall Below Prior Year Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s Gross Receipts to the Treasury report for May shows the impact of lower oil and gas prices likely impacted other revenue streams, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Receipts in three of the state’s four major revenue streams – gross production, sales tax, and motor vehicle tax – were less than in May of last year. Only gross income tax...Read More

May 6, 2015 News Release Treasurer Miller and Tulsa Zoo encourage students to plan for the future Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan ‘Think Big! Save for College!’ sweepstakes to award $2,529 toward college savings account for grand prize winner TULSA, OK – State Treasurer Ken Miller, along with representatives from the Tulsa Zoo, today announced the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan ‘Think Big! Save for College!’ sweepstakes. The treasurer attended a sweepstakes kick-off event today at the...Read More

May 5, 2015 News Release April Gross Receipts Show Impact of Low Oil and Gas Prices Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s April Gross Receipts to the Treasury report shows marginal overall growth from the prior year due to the effect of low oil and natural gas prices, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Monthly collections of $1.32 billion exceed last April’s receipts by 0.5 percent. April’s growth brings 12-month collections to $12.1 billion, 4 percent higher than...Read More

April 28, 2015 News Release Oklahoma Tobacco Trust Balance Tops $1 Billion with Receipt of Annual Settlement Payment OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund now contains more than $1 billion with receipt of the state’s annual payment from the tobacco industry under the national Master Settlement Agreement, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. The trust fund balance grew to $1.03 billion when deposit of $57.6 million, or 75 percent of the annual payment, was completed this week as required by the...Read More

April 13, 2015 News Release Treasurer Miller announces winners of Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan essay contest Five Oklahomans win $1,529, share their stories from “Making a Difference” essay contest OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the five winners of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan’s second biennial “Making a Difference” essay contest during a ceremony in the Blue Room at the State Capitol building. As part of the essay contest, Miller awarded $1,529 toward each...Read More

April 6, 2015 News Release March Gross Receipts Drop Below Prior Year Collections Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – Low oil prices are a significant drag on the latest monthly revenue collections, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the March Gross Receipts to the Treasury Report. Total March collections were almost $28 million less than in March of last year, and were pushed downward primarily by a 48 percent drop in oil and natural gas gross production receipts....Read More

March 30, 2015 News Release Treasurer Miller reminds Oklahomans to invest in a child's future before April 15 for tax savings OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today is reminding Oklahomans that the April 15 tax deadline is nearing and only a few weeks remain to make contributions to the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) and be eligible for 2014 state tax advantages. The Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan is the only 529 plan that offers an Oklahoma income tax deduction. Earnings to an OCSP account are federal and Oklahoma income...Read More

March 24, 2015 News Release Treasurer Miller Launches Statewide Financial Education Initiative Web-based course empowers students with critical money management skills OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced an initiative to bring an innovative, web-based financial education program to every high school student across the state through a partnership with education technology leader EverFi. The Treasurer’s office will partner with local businesses and financial institutions to bring this...Read More

March 6, 2015 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Climb in February Gross Production Collections Drop Steeply Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy, as reflected in February Gross Receipts to the Treasury, is showing both positive and negative effects of low oil prices with sales tax collections up and gross production collections down, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today. “Low oil prices were a double-edged sword for the Oklahoma economy...Read More

March 4, 2015 News Release Detroit Lions Ryan Broyles and Treasurer Miller Roll out Financial Football Statewide Financial Education Video Game to Help Oklahoma Students Score Financial Touchdowns OKLAHOMA CITY  – Sooner great, Oklahoma City native, and current wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, Ryan Broyles joined Oklahoma Treasurer Ken Miller, Oklahoma Jump$tart Coalition and Visa Inc. in The Sooner State today to tackle head on the issue of financial literacy improvement among Oklahoma teens. They announced a statewide effort...Read More

February 5, 2015 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Grow in January Picture Tempered by Drop in Gross Production, Other Collections Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy, as reflected in monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury, showed continued expansion in January, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today. Miller said two components of gross receipts entered new territory during the first month of 2015 with record highs set for sales tax collections and...Read More

January 12, 2015 News Release Miller Begins Second Term as State Treasurer Ken Miller, Ph.D., was administered the oath of office at noon on Monday, January 12, 2015, on the south steps of the State Capitol building to begin his second four-year term as Oklahoma State Treasurer. Miller, a Republican, is the 18th Oklahoma treasurer. He was first elected in 2010 and was unopposed for re-election in 2014. As the state’s top elected financial officer, Miller protects and manages more than $22 billion...Read More

January 7, 2015 News Release Oklahoma Economy Expands During 2014 Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY– The Oklahoma economy grew at a faster pace in calendar year 2014 than during the prior two years, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury Report. “The calendar year was a good one for Oklahoma’s economy with all major sources of revenue finishing the year in the black,” Miller said. “The numbers...Read More

December 8, 2014 News Release Treasurer Miller awards Mustang Elementary School $10,529, largest cash donation in school history Student also receives prize from Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan’s 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes OKLAHOMA CITY – One student and her school now have 10,000 reasons to look forward to the future. State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the winner of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes—which awarded one child and her school $10,529. Fourth grader Olivia...Read More

December 5, 2014 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Endowing Unclaimed Property By State Treasurer Ken Miller Oklahoma lawmakers could have a permanent source of tens of millions of dollars each year that would not require any new taxes or fees. All it would require to guarantee such a generous long-term payoff is a little short-term discipline. Sure, this is a hefty ask in the political realm where time horizons center around election years, but our history shows it’s possible. Thanks to the...Read More

December 4, 2014 News Release November Gross Receipts to the Treasury Reflect Strong Sales, Softening Oil Prices Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury in November dropped for the first time in 11 months, but it was due to an accounting correction, not an economic factor, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the monthly revenue report. Miller said gross receipts for the month are down by $11.78 million or 1.4 percent compared to November of last year. “Overall, November...Read More

November 18, 2014 News Release Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan gives families alternative Black Friday options OKLAHOMA CITY – During Black Friday this year, State Treasurer Miller is encouraging families to consider buying their children a gift that can’t be found in stores. As families across the state prepare for the kickoff of this year’s holiday shopping season, Treasurer Miller is reminding Oklahomans to mark Black Friday by opening an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account or contributing to an existing account and...Read More

November 5, 2014 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Continue Climb Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – October was yet another good month for Oklahoma’s economy, as measured by the monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury report issued today by State Treasurer Ken Miller. The report shows monthly receipts topped those of the same month of the prior year, and 12-month receipts set another record high. Miller said monthly collections are up by almost 4 percent, while 12-month numbers...Read More

October 6, 2014 News Release September Gross Receipts to the Treasury Climb by Highest Percentage in 17 Months Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – Revenue collections during September grew by more than 8 percent over receipts from the same month of the prior year, the highest monthly growth rate since April of last year, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the September Gross Receipts to the Treasury report during a State Capitol news conference. September gross receipts topped $1 billion, and are more than...Read More

October 1, 2014 News Release Miller Announces "Making a Difference" Essay Contest for Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Contest gives Oklahoma families opportunity to share their college-saving stories OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced an essay contest for Oklahomans participating in the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP). The “Making a Difference” essay contest encourages account holders and beneficiaries at least 16 years old to explain the ways in which the OCSP has affected or will affect their...Read More

September 3, 2014 News Release August Gross Receipts to the Treasury Show Growth Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury in August grew by the highest percentage in more than a year, providing yet another sign of Oklahoma’s expanding economy, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. August collections rose by 7.5 percent compared to the same month of the prior year, the largest percentage increase in monthly collections since July 2013. August receipts pushed...Read More

September 2, 2014 News Release Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Cuts Fees OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) just got more affordable with a 12.5 percent reduction in management fees, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today.  The fee reduction potentially saves OCSP account owners more than $300,000 annually.  Miller, chair of the OCSP board of trustees, said the annual fee was reduced from 0.40 percent to 0.35 percent through negotiations for a five-year...Read More

August 28, 2014 News Release $52.7 Million in Tobacco Trust Earnings Certified OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Board of Investors has certified $52.7 million in earnings for use in the coming year to fund prevention and reduction of tobacco use and other health issues, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Miller is chairman of the board that oversees investment of Oklahoma’s share of the national Master Settlement Agreement. The board certified the annual...Read More

August 19, 2014 News Release Treasurer Miller announces 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan to give one student $10,529 college saving account and their school $10,529 in cash OKLAHOMA CITY – Surrounded by cheering elementary school students, State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the launch of the Second Annual 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes, which will award one Oklahoma child a $10,529 Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account and give a $10,529 cash prize to the...Read More

August 6, 2014 News Release July Gross Receipts to the Treasury Show Marked Improvement Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross Receipts to the Treasury in July were the highest of any July in Oklahoma history, providing another indication of the state’s expanding economy, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today at a State Capitol news conference. The healthy performance of the Oklahoma economy in July pushed 12-month collections further into record territory, as has been the case for 12...Read More

July 2, 2014 News Release Five years after Great Recession, Oklahoma continues steady economic expansion Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Five years after the close of the Great Recession, gross receipts to the treasury point to continued expansion of the Oklahoma economy, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced at a State Capitol news conference on Wednesday. Gross receipts for Fiscal Year 2014 total $11.7 billion, reflecting growth of $469 million, or more than four percent compared to FY-13. June receipts topped $1...Read More

June 24, 2014 News Release Tulsa-area baby wins $5,529 toward college savings on first birthday Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan jumpstarts Tulsa one-year-old’s college savings account TULSA – Today, one lucky Oklahoman baby was awarded $5,529 toward an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) as part of the Newborn Sweepstakes. Everett Majdan was one of more than 53,000 babies born last year in Oklahoma. Majdan of Sand Springs, born on June 28, 2013 at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, was entered into the Newborn...Read More

June 3, 2014 News Release State Gross Receipts Continue Rise in May Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s Gross Receipts to the Treasury report indicates the state economy continues on the upside of the business cycle, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today at a State Capitol news conference. Using collections from the state’s major revenue sources as a gauge of economic performance, Miller said steady growth, especially in the oil field, is the order of the day....Read More

May 30, 2014 News Release "5-29 Day Baby" awarded with college savings plan St. John Medical Center’s first baby born on May 29, Oklahoma College Savings Day, was awarded a $1,529 Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan TULSA  –Today, on National and Oklahoma College Savings Awareness Day, Treasurer Miller recognized the importance of preparing for college expenses by awarding one Oklahoma family with an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan. Today, one Broken Arrow family spent May 29, National...Read More

May 9, 2014 News Release Treasurer Miller and Oklahoma Teacher of the Year encourage students to keep reading during summer Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan to award two readers $2,529 college savings accounts OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today, along with Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Peter Markes announced the Fizz•Boom, Save for College Sweepstakes kickoff, which will award $2,529 towards an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account to two Oklahoma readers this summer. As part of an annual partnership between the OCSP...Read More

May 5, 2014 News Release April Gross Receipts Show Continued Economic Expansion Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s April Gross Receipts to the Treasury report again indicates the state’s economy continues on an expansionary course, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today at a State Capitol news conference. Monthly collections of $1.32 billion exceed last April’s receipts by 3.3 percent. April’s growth brings 12-month collections to $11.62 billion, 3.5 percent...Read More

April 30, 2014 Unclaimed Property How to find your unclaimed property If you're in Oklahoma, there's a 25 percent chance you have unclaimed property. Maybe you or a relative lost track of royalties, a bank account, stock, utility deposit. Searching for lost or forgotten property can get complicated. However, there are ways to simplify your property search. Here are four tips for your unclaimed property search: Look up all of your names. Remember to search both married and maiden names....Read More

April 30, 2014 Unclaimed Property Three pieces of property you may not know you owned Almost 25 percent of Oklahomans have unclaimed property that is now in possession of State Treasurer Ken Miller’s Office. However, those with unclaimed property are typically unaware that some of their property is lost. Is it possible part of your property is among the $500 million that is currently unclaimed? Here are the top three pieces of unclaimed property that are most often forgotten about: Money.  Remember...Read More

April 30, 2014 Unclaimed Property How is the state spending your money? Millions of Americans have unclaimed property sitting in a safe at a state capitol. In Oklahoma alone, more than $500 million in unclaimed property ranging from bonds to royalties to money from an abandoned bank account is waiting to be claimed by its 825,000 owners. In fact, most people with unclaimed property are unaware of the lost property. Nationwide, there is $4.7 billion in unclaimed property that needs to be returned to rightful...Read More

April 21, 2014 News Release Oklahoma Receives $77.18 Million Tobacco Settlement Payment OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced receipt of $77.18 million in annual payments from the tobacco industry under the national Master Settlement Agreement. With the latest receipts, Oklahoma has received a total of $1.16 billion since payments began in 1999. Miller said 75 percent of the annual payment, or $57.89 million, went immediately into the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund as mandated by the...Read More

April 15, 2014 News Release Treasurer Miller awards "Tax Day Baby" with college savings plan Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City’s first baby born on April 15, tax day, was awarded a $1,529 Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan OKLAHOMA CITY –April 15 is commonly known as the day many will spend in line at the post office or finishing final preparations for tax returns. This year, one Oklahoma family spent April 15, tax day, welcoming their new son, born at 2:07 a.m. and was recognized as the first Tax Day Baby at Mercy...Read More

April 3, 2014 News Release Positive Momentum Continues in State Economy Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Energy production, personal income and consumption pushed revenue collections higher in March, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the monthly gross receipts to the treasury report. Miller said collections in March grew by more than four percent over the same month of last year. The growth rate for the past 12 months also topped four percent. “In...Read More

March 28, 2014 News Release Treasurer Miller Issues Warning on Use of Unclaimed Property Funds Because policymakers are now being pressured to commit unclaimed property funds to ongoing operating expenses, State Treasurer Ken Miller, the state’s top elected financial officer and trustee of the unclaimed property fund issued the following warning: “If the Legislature can’t build a 12-month operating budget without using non-recurring revenues, then perhaps there should be some serious reexamination of fiscal...Read More

March 28, 2014 News Release Treasurer Miller Requests Budget Cut OKLAHOMA CITY – For a second consecutive year, State Treasurer Ken Miller is asking the Legislature to cut appropriations for his office. And for the second year in a row, he is the only agency head to do so. Miller said his request for a five-percent budget cut is made possible by focusing office operations on core treasury functions. He also requested and was granted a five-percent appropriations reduction last year....Read More

March 18, 2014 News Release Tax Saving Time, Oklahoma! By State Treasurer Ken Miller, Chair, Oklahoma College Savings Plan Board of Trustees High-resolution Portrait of Treasurer Miller. April marks the deadline for income tax filing and is also National Financial Literacy Month. Enhance your financial literacy by April 15 by opening or adding to an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan account to take advantage of the plan’s exclusive state tax deduction and other benefits....Read More

March 6, 2014 News Release Oklahoma Gross Receipts Continue Positive Trend Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s monthly gross receipts to the treasury report shows total state collections continued to rise in February, the fourth anniversary of the low point reached following the Great Recession, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today. “Collections, as they did this month, have topped the same month of the prior year in 41 of the past 48 months,” Miller said....Read More

March 5, 2014 News Release Parents want children to go to collge, but most aren't saving for it A poll conducted on behalf of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan shows Oklahomans understand the need for college. Infographic OKLAHOMA CITY – A large majority of Oklahoma parents and grandparents – 86 percent – believe it is “very important” that their child or grandchild attends college according to a recent opinion poll conducted by ShapardResearch.  The survey shows Oklahoma parents...Read More

February 5, 2014 News Release January a Healthy Month for State Economy Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy, as reflected in monthly gross receipts to the treasury, set new highs in January, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today. Miller said three components of gross receipts entered new territory during the first month of 2014: Record highs were set for sales tax collections and personal income tax withholding payments; and for gross receipts in a January, a new...Read More

January 14, 2014 News Release Treasurer Miller Elected Chair of National Treasurers' Foundation OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma State Treasurer Ken Miller has been elected chairman of the foundation that supports the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST). The nomination of Miller was made by Maryland State Treasurer Nancy Kopp and seconded by New Mexico State Treasurer James Lewis. The election was approved by acclamation of the foundation’s board on Monday. “I appreciate the confidence of my peers...Read More

January 9, 2014 News Release Treasurer's Statement on Gross Production Taxes At his monthly news conference last Monday, State Treasurer Ken Miller was asked by reporters to comment on a recent proposal by the Speaker of the House to make permanent the state’s current 1-percent gross production tax rate on horizontally-drilled wells. Since then, the Treasurer’s Office has received numerous requests for additional comments. Treasurer Miller offered the following statement:...Read More

January 6, 2014 News Release Oklahoma Economy Yields Moderated Growth in 2013 Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma economy continues to advance but backed off the accelerator a little during 2013, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross receipts to the treasury report. “All major sources of revenue finished the year in growth territory, just not as robust as during the past few years,” Miller said. “National and state...Read More

December 19, 2013 News Release Unclaimed Property Auction Raises $285,000 OKLAHOMA CITY – Wednesday’s auction of the contents of some 750 abandoned safe deposit boxes raised more than $285,000, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. The auction was held to make room in the treasurer’s vault for storage of more unclaimed property. The money raised will be held in trust for the owners or their heirs. A box containing gold bullion sold for $8,700, while a Mickey Mantle-autographed...Read More

December 16, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller Awards School $10,529, Largest Donation in School History Student also receives prize from Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan’s 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes KREBS – One student and his school now have 10,000 reasons to look forward to the future. State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the winner of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes—which awarded one child and his school $10,529. Fifth grader Jaxon...Read More

December 10, 2013 News Release Unclaimed Property Items to be Auctioned Next Week Coins, collectible cards, class rings to be sold OKLAHOMA CITY – Coin collections, precious metal, collectible cards and more than seven dozen class rings – those are just some of the items from more than 700 abandoned safe deposit boxes scheduled for auction next week in Oklahoma City, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. The contents of the abandoned safe deposit boxes will be auctioned starting at 9...Read More

December 4, 2013 News Release November Treasury Receipts Show Economic Growth Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – For yet another month, gross collections point toward steady growth in Oklahoma’s economy, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the gross receipts to the treasury report for November. Miller said gross receipts for the month are up by more than $58 million or 7.3 percent compared to November of last year. “The Oklahoma economy continues to expand...Read More

November 4, 2013 News Release Gross Receipts to the Treasury Continue Climb Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – October was another good month for Oklahoma’s economy, as measured by the monthly gross receipts to the treasury report issued today by State Treasurer Ken Miller. Miller said the positive October report was again led by collections from the gross production tax on oil and natural gas, up by almost 16 percent and in positive territory for a sixth, consecutive month....Read More

October 3, 2013 News Release 12-Month Gross Receipts to the Treasury Continue Unprecedented Climb Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – For a third consecutive month, 12-month collections reached a new high, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the September gross receipts to the treasury report. Twelve-month collections at the end of September topped $11.33 billion, up by almost $20 million from August’s total. Until July of this year, the 12-month record high had stood since December 2008...Read More

September 16, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller awards $2,529 toward college savings account to two young Oklahoma readers September is also Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Month OKLAHOMA CITY – Many young Oklahomans hit the books this summer with hopes of winning funds for college. State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the winners of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) Reading Makes Cent$ Sweepstakes – an annual partnership between the OCSP and Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL). Enya Neal of Norman and Spencer Pearce of...Read More

September 9, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller to Help OSU Fans Find Unclaimed Property OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller and his staff will be in Stillwater Saturday to give away a Coach Mike Gundy-autographed football and help fans attending the OSU-Lamar game find their unclaimed property. Miller and his unclaimed property staff will be at the Hall of Fame Block Party on the north side of Boone Pickens Stadium prior to kick-off to help fans look for their names on the unclaimed property list and...Read More

September 4, 2013 News Release Oil and Gas Collections Boost Monthly Revenue Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Due to a substantial increase in oil and gas gross production taxes in August, monthly revenue collections were pushed into positive territory compared to August of last year, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the monthly gross receipts to the treasury report. After spending most of a year in negative territory, gross production tax collections have exceeded...Read More

September 3, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller to Help OU Fans Find Unclaimed Property OKLAHOMA CITY – “Want a Bob Stoops-autographed football?” That’s the first question State Treasurer Ken Miller has for fans attending this Saturday’s OU-West Virginia game in Norman. “Got unclaimed property?” is his second question. Miller and his unclaimed property staff will be in the Fan Fest area northeast of Gaylord Family-Memorial Stadium prior to kick-off to help fans find their lost...Read More

August 21, 2013 News Release $35 Million in Tobacco Trust Earnings Certified OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Board of Investors has certified $35 million in earnings for use in the coming year to combat tobacco addiction and other health issues, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Miller is chairman of the board that oversees investment of Oklahoma’s share of the national Master Settlement Agreement. The board certified the annual earnings on Wednesday....Read More

August 15, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller announces 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes, to award $10,529 to a child & school Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan to give one student $10,529 college saving account and their school $10,529 in cash OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today the 10,000 Reasons to Save Sweepstakes, which will award one child $10,529 toward an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account and one additional $10,529 cash prize to the winner’s school. This sweepstakes gives Oklahoma parents and...Read More

August 5, 2013 News Release Twelve-Month Gross Receipts Reach All-Time High Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY – Twelve-month gross receipts to the Oklahoma treasury are at an all-time high, having surpassed in July the previous record high set in December 2008, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today at a State Capitol news conference. Gross receipts for the past 12 months total $11.3 billion and are $12.6 million, or 0.1 percent, above the previous record high, Miller said. “By...Read More

July 2, 2013 News Release Fiscal Year Collections Up, but June Gross Receipts Dip below Prior Year Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Gross receipts to the Oklahoma treasury finished the fiscal year ahead of the prior year, but down slightly for the month, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today at a State Capitol news conference. Gross receipts for Fiscal Year 2013 total $11.23 billion, reflecting growth of $240.5 million, or more than two percent compared to FY-12. June receipts topped $976 million, down by...Read More

July 1, 2013 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Unclaimed Property 2.0 By State Treasurer Ken Miller Change is a simple word that is usually met with universal resistance. Though by nature we are no doubt creatures of change, many of us evolve into creatures of habit as we become comfortable in our routines. This is even more true in government where “the way we have always done it” typically prevails aided by vested interests who work to insure the status quo. Fortunately at the...Read More

July 1, 2013 News Release Unclaimed Property: Charting a New Course EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is the text of the cover story in the latest edition of the Oklahoma Economic Report, issued monthly by the State Treasurer's Office and available for download at www.treasurer.ok.gov The Oklahoma State Treasurer’s office is launching a significant enhancement in the operation of its unclaimed property program, entering uncharted territory as it works to set the standard in reuniting owners...Read More

June 19, 2013 News Release State Treasurer awards $5,529 to OCSP Newborn Sweepstakes winner Treasurer encourages parents to research Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan options TULSA – State Treasurer Ken Miller today awarded $5,529 toward an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account to one lucky Oklahoma baby. As one of more than 51,000 babies born last year in Oklahoma, Hannah Gabel of Jenks, born in September at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, was entered into the Newborn Sweepstakes by her parents...Read More

June 5, 2013 News Release May Gross Receipts to the Treasury Show Steady Growth Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy continued to exhibit steady growth during May, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the monthly gross receipts to the treasury report. For the first time in 18 months, gross production tax collections exceeded the same month of prior year, climbing to $63.89 million in May. That is $790,000 or 1.2 percent above May of last year. Starting almost...Read More

May 29, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller celebrates National 529 College Savings Day, announces summer reading sweepstakes Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan to give two readers $2,529 college savings accounts OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today, on National 529 College Savings Day, announced the Reading Makes Cent$ Sweepstakes kickoff, which will give $2,529 toward an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account to two Oklahoma readers this summer. As part of an annual partnership between the OCSP and Oklahoma Department of...Read More

May 10, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller and Staff Honored with Quality Commendations by Governor Fallin OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller and his staff have been honored with three Quality Commendations by Governor Mary Fallin for projects conducted by the treasurer’s office during the past year. The awards were presented during Quality Oklahoma Team ceremonies at the State Capitol on Thursday. The projects honored by Governor Falling increase efficiency and transparency of state government and include:...Read More

May 3, 2013 News Release Monthly Gross Revenue Sets New Record High in April Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Driven by a spike in income tax collections, Oklahoma monthly gross revenue reached an all-time high in April, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the April gross receipts to the treasury report. Total collections of $1.273 billion exceed the previous record of $1.16 billion set five years ago in April 2008 by almost 10 percent. April’s strong performance...Read More

April 17, 2013 News Release Tobacco Settlement Payments to Oklahoma Top $1 Billion Threshold Crossed as Treasurer Miller Receives Payment of $64.8 Million OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the receipt of one of two annual tobacco settlement payments. The $64.8 million payment brings the total paid to the state under the Master Settlement Agreement since 1999, the year payments began, to $1.04 billion. An additional payment is expected later this week. Miller said 75 percent...Read More

April 3, 2013 News Release Oklahoma Gross Revenue Up in March OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s revenue growth returned in March after seesawing within a pretty tight range for the past year, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the March gross receipts to the treasury report. Miller said notable positives this month include gross production and corporate income tax collections. After falling far below prior year collections each month for more than a year, gross...Read More

March 25, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller announces winners of Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan's essay contest Five Oklahomans win $1,529, share their stories from “Making a Difference” essay contest OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the five winners of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan’s inaugural “Making a Difference” essay contest during a ceremony in the Blue Room at the State Capitol building. As part of the essay contest, Miller  awarded $1,529 toward each...Read More

March 18, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller Meets with White House Senior Economic Advisors State Treasurer Ken Miller and a delegation of his fellow state treasurers met at the White House today with the president’s chief of staff and senior economic team to exchange information on the economic health of the states and the status of the U.S. economic recovery. Miller, who serves on the executive committee of the National Association of State Treasurers, said he believes the dialogue was productive. “We...Read More

March 4, 2013 News Release Gross Collections Dip in February Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma revenue collections dipped slightly in February, the fifth such occurrence in the past year, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross receipts to the treasury report. “As with last March, June, August and November, collections in February are lower than the same month of the prior year,” Miller said. “This follows 24...Read More

February 27, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller Launches "Oklahoma Treasury Online Checkbook" New website gives taxpayers easy access to payments and deposits OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma taxpayers now have a quick and easy way to examine state government’s spending with the “Oklahoma Treasury Online Checkbook” launched today by State Treasurer Ken Miller. “Banks give their customers online access to their accounts; it only makes sense for the state’s chief financial officer to provide...Read More

February 5, 2013 News Release January Gross Receipts Make History Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy reached a number of milestones as it showed expansion in January, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross receipts to the treasury report. “For the first time in Oklahoma history, January gross receipts exceeded $1 billion,” Miller said. “Income tax withholding set an all-time record as did total...Read More

January 31, 2013 News Release Treasurer Miller Requests Budget Cut OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller is asking the Legislature to cut appropriations for his office this session. Miller made his request for a five-percent budget cut on Thursday afternoon during a pre-session performance review of the treasurer’s office by the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on General Government. “Our request for a $190,000 cut in appropriations is made possible by a...Read More

January 3, 2013 News Release 2012 Brought Moderated Economic Growth to Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy continued to grow, but the pace of recovery slowed during 2012, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross receipts to the treasury report. “December receipts were 1.5 percent better than the prior year and total year collections surpassed the previous year by 3.8 percent,” Miller said. “That compares to growth last December of...Read More

December 28, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller Warns of another Potential Victim of the Fiscal Cliff Eliminating tax-exempt bonds is on the table in Washington OKLAHOMA CITY – In addition to higher federal taxes, Oklahomans face another threat to their pocketbooks from the fiscal cliff, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today. “Taxpayers in Oklahoma save an average of 25 to 30 percent on interest costs by using tax-exempt bonds as a financing tool as opposed to taxable bonds, but that could go away thanks to fiscal...Read More

December 10, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller says give the Gift of Education this Christmas Treasurer unveils mobile account access for Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s top elected financial officer has a message for Oklahoma families: The holiday shopping season does not have to be stressful. State Treasurer Ken Miller today encouraged families to open or contribute to an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account rather than fighting crowds and spending money on the latest...Read More

December 4, 2012 News Release November Treasury Receipts Dip Slightly Charts and graphs. OKLAHOMA CITY– November collections dipped slightly below receipts from the prior year due primarily to continued reduction in gross production tax payments, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the gross receipts to the treasury report. Miller said gross receipts for the month were down by one-half of one percent, or about $3.7 million, compared to November of last year. “In...Read More

December 3, 2012 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: In Defense of Conservatism By State Treasurer Ken Miller, Ph.D. EDITOR'S NOTE: The following commentary is 656 words. If all your friends jumped off a fiscal cliff, would you do it too? The answer from Senator Tom Coburn and Representative Tom Cole is no. Though staunchly opposed to increasing tax rates, both men recently made national headlines; Coburn for his willingness to increase receipts by eliminating loopholes and preferential tax...Read More

November 5, 2012 News Release Revenue Up Sharply In Spite of Electoral Uncertainty Miller says year-over-year increase highest in eight months Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – October was another good month for Oklahoma’s economy, as measured by the monthly gross receipts to the treasury report issued today by State Treasurer Ken Miller. In fact, compared to the same month of the prior year, collections rose by nine percent, the highest percentage in eight months. Miller said the...Read More

November 1, 2012 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Stop the madness By State Treasurer Ken Miller EDITOR'S NOTE: The following column by State Treasurer Ken Miller is 490 words. It is said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. In the context of the state budgeting process, it could be said the definition of insanity is continuing to plug budget holes with hundreds of millions of dollars in non-recurring revenues while...Read More

October 10, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller launches Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan's "Making a Difference" essay contest Contest gives Oklahoma families opportunity to share their college-saving stories OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced an essay contest for Oklahomans participating in the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP). The inaugural “Making a Difference” essay contest encourages account holders and beneficiaries at least 16 years old to explain the ways in which the OCSP has affected or will...Read More

October 8, 2012 News Release More than $250,000 in Unclaimed Property Found During 2012 Tulsa State Fair OKLAHOMA CITY — Cash and stock worth more than $250,000 was found for 476 people attending the 2012 Tulsa State Fair, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. The money was found for fair patrons who visited the treasurer’s “Pot of Gold” booth in the Quik Trip Center. As administrator of Oklahoma’s unclaimed property program, Miller has more than $350 million for more than 600,000 people. The...Read More

October 1, 2012 News Release Thanks to Strong Income Tax Receipts, September Collections Resume Rise OKLAHOMA CITY – Revenue collections ticked up in September, pushed by strong income tax remittances, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the monthly gross receipts to the treasury report. Total collections were almost three percent higher than in September of last year. Three of the four major tax categories were positive, with income tax leading the way up almost 16 percent. Sales tax and motor vehicle...Read More

September 24, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller Looking to Give Away Money at Tulsa Fair Just-Finished Oklahoma City Fair Found Almost $200,000 for Fair Goers OKLAHOMA CITY – Having just found almost $200,000 for Oklahoma City fair attendees, State Treasurer Ken Miller is heading up the turnpike this week to help people at the Tulsa State Fair find their “Pot of Gold.” Miller, administrator of Oklahoma's Unclaimed Property Fund, has $350 million for 600,000 Oklahomans. “If you...Read More

September 11, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller Heading to State Fair with $350 Million in Unclaimed Property OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller is heading to the Oklahoma State Fair to look for the owners of $350 million in unclaimed property. The treasurer and his employees have a list of 600,000 Oklahomans that are owed the unclaimed property, and they’ll be staffing a booth in the Cox Pavilion throughout the fair in Oklahoma City to help reunite fair goers with their money. This year marks the 12th year the office has...Read More

September 6, 2012 News Release Oil and Gas Again Pull Collections into Negative Territory OKLAHOMA CITY – For the third time in the past six months, collections to the Oklahoma Treasury fell below prior year receipts in August, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the monthly gross receipts to the treasury report. As with the two prior negative months, markedly lower gross production tax collections are the cause, Miller said. “Spending by businesses and consumers continues to be...Read More

September 5, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller awards $2,529 for college savings to two young Oklahoma readers Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan, Oklahoma Department of Libraries partner during annual Summer Reading Program EDITOR'S NOTE: Link to photo: http://www.ok.gov/treasurer/images/OCSP_Check-1.jpg. Cutline: Treasurer Ken Miller presents $2,529 to 3-year-old Juniper Clough and her parents, Anna and Josh, at the Norman Public Library as winner of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Summer Reading Sweepstakes. OKLAHOMA CITY...Read More

August 22, 2012 News Release $26.8 Million in Tobacco Trust Earnings Certified OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Board of Investors has certified $26.8 million in earnings for use in the coming year to combat tobacco addiction and other health issues, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Miller is chairman of the board that oversees investment of Oklahoma’s share of the national Master Settlement Agreement. The board certified the annual earnings on Wednesday....Read More

August 10, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller Appoints Tulsa Businessman to Tobacco Board OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the appointment of Tulsa businessman Don Millican to the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. “I am pleased to appoint Don to this important board,” Miller said. “With his history of philanthropic work in the Tulsa area, I know Don will help the board in fulfilling its mission.” Millican is Chief Financial...Read More

August 2, 2012 News Release Growth in Income, Sales Push July Collections into Positive Territory OKLAHOMA CITY – Driven by increases in income and sales, Oklahoma’s total revenue collections resumed their rise in July after dipping slightly the month before, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the gross receipts to the treasury report for the first month of the fiscal year. Total treasury collections in July grew by just more than one percent over the same month of last year, aided by a...Read More

August 1, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller kicks off 2nd annual Kids on College Sweepstakes Special partnership between Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan and  GAP stores in Oklahoma celebrates National College Savings Month OKLAHOMA CITY - State Treasurer Ken Miller today posed a question to children across the state of Oklahoma: I want to go to college because_____. The fill-in-the-blank question is part of the Kids on College Survey Sweepstakes, which starts today and ends in September - National College Savings...Read More

July 5, 2012 News Release Driven by Gross Production, June Revenue Collections Fall Below Prior Year Charts and graphs OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma finished the fiscal year well into the black, but the last month saw the largest decline of the year in gross production tax collections, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today as he released the gross receipts report for June and fiscal year 2012. Total collections in June were pushed negative compared to the same month of the prior year due to a 42 percent drop in gross...Read More

July 2, 2012 News Release Treasurer's commentary: Budget briefing By State Treasurer Ken Miller With the primary elections passed, most state lawmakers can now take a deep breath and plan for the next legislative session. Though adjourned only four weeks ago, the last legislative session seems a distant memory. Most pundits have long since weighed in and it seems what didn’t happen will likely overshadow what did. Regardless of one’s opinion of the many unsuccessful tax cut...Read More

June 26, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller Takes "Best Budgeting" Ideas to Central and South American Government Officials OKLAHOMA CITY – At the invitation of an international group of Central and South American government leaders, State Treasurer Ken Miller spoke today in Campeche City, Mexico, to share his insight on the best budgeting practices for subnational governments. Dr. Miller participated in the Conference on Budget and Fiscal Coordination in American Countries that was sponsored by several organizations including the Finance Ministry of...Read More

June 25, 2012 News Release Oklahoma College Savings Plan Ranks among Top 10 Best-Performing 529 Plans OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today the Oklahoma College Savings Plan (OCSP) ranks among the nation’s Top Ten best-performing 529 plans. According to Savingforcollege.com's newly-released investment performance rankings, the OCSP commands the No. 9 spot on the list of college savings programs ranked for one-year performance ending March 31, 2012. Savingforcollege.com, a leading independent authority on...Read More

June 11, 2012 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Tax reform revisited By State Treasurer Ken Miller, Ph.D. Oklahoma is doing more than fine with unemployment three percentage points below the national average, the third best job creation rate, and fourth highest growth in per capita income. Even so, we could better encourage entrepreneurial activity, productivity and growth by reforming our entire tax code. Unfortunately, some are singularly focused on the personal income tax. A May 15 Wall...Read More

June 5, 2012 News Release Total Collections Grow in May as Gross Production Continues Slide Graphs and charts OKLAHOMA CITY – Even though natural gas and crude oil prices are lower than expected, Oklahoma’s total revenue collections continue to rise, driven primarily by income and sales, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the monthly gross receipts report for May. “With incomes climbing and sales tax collections on the rise, Oklahomans continue to show confidence in the economy in...Read More

May 29, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller announces OK College Savings Summer Reading Sweepstakes Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan to give two readers $2,529 college savings accounts  OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller is marking May 29, National 5-29 College Savings Day by giving Oklahoma elementary and secondary school students the same advice he gives his college students as summer approaches– keep learning during the school break.  Miller also announced the Think Big! Save for College!...Read More

May 2, 2012 News Release Revenue Collections Resume Rise in Spite of Gross Production Decline  OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s total revenue collections resumed their upward trajectory in April after slipping slightly in March, while gross production taxes continued to shrink, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the monthly gross receipts report. “Oklahoma’s economy is reflecting health and resilience in spite of the low price environment for natural gas,” Miller said....Read More

May 1, 2012 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Functional Finance By State Treasurer Ken Miller One comment often heard in political conversations is that the state should budget like a family. Another is that government should be run like a business. Of course, families and firms are very different from each other and from governments. Families save for golden years and firms seek profits. But, there are similarities. All try to get the most out of every dollar and each requires capital...Read More

April 25, 2012 News Release State Treasurer awards newborn $5,529 toward college savings account Photo Cutline: State Treasurer Ken Miller meets Ryder Vaughn Tackett of Tulsa as he presents $5,529 to his mother, Amanda, as winner of the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Newborn Sweepstakes. (Click here to download photo.) OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today awarded more than $5,000 toward an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) account to one lucky Oklahoma baby. One of more than 55,000 babies born last...Read More

April 17, 2012 News Release Almost $75 Million in Tobacco Settlement Funds Received OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the receipt of Oklahoma’s annual tobacco settlement payment. Miller said $74.6 million has been received from the tobacco industry, 75 percent of which went directly into the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund. “These funds were immediately put to work to generate money for use in cutting-edge medical research, prevention and reduction of tobacco...Read More

April 12, 2012 News Release Thin Mints announced as winner of 4th annual Oklahoma's Favorite Girl Scout Cookie Contest OKC-based Girl Scout sets sales record, is awarded $1,529 college savings account OKLAHOMA CITY – It’s an ages-old debate spanning decades – which culinary confection is the favorite Girl Scout Cookie. Everyone has an opinion and Oklahomans recently got to make it official in a vote for Oklahoma’s Favorite Girl Scout Cookie. State Treasurer Ken Miller, at a press conference at the state capitol today,...Read More

April 3, 2012 News Release Two-year Revenue Growth Streak Ends as Collections Fall OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s two-year revenue growth streak has come to an end as total revenue collections in March fell slightly lower than collections from the same month last year, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the March gross receipts report. Total collections for the month were $920.6 million, down by about $2.6 million or 0.3 percent from March of last year. Miller said the biggest drop among...Read More

March 19, 2012 News Release Treasurer Miller meets with White House Senior Economic Advisors State Treasurer Ken Miller and a delegation of his fellow state treasurers met at the White House today with the president’s senior economic team to exchange information on the economic health of the states and the status of the U.S. economic recovery. Miller said he believes the dialogue was productive. “We appreciate the invitation to share with the White House our concerns and to learn more about this...Read More

March 5, 2012 News Release February Continues 24-Month Revenue Streak OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma is celebrating its second anniversary of revenue growth out of the Great Recession, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the February gross receipts report. The state economy shows signs of improving health in all areas measured by state revenue collections, especially income taxes, he said. “In the past 12 months, all major sources of revenue are higher than the previous 12 month...Read More

February 29, 2012 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Building a Better Budget By State Treasurer Ken Miller Tax cuts are this session’s hot topic. On this issue, policymakers have boldly swung the axe with more than two dozen tax-cutting bills introduced this year. The challenge is to be just as bold in reforming the other side of the equation, since the job of cutting taxes is more difficult when making corresponding cuts in spending. Those of us tasked with paying the state’s...Read More

February 10, 2012 News Release State Treasurer reminds families, "Don't forget the tax deduction for college savings" Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan contributions qualify for 2011 state tax deduction until April 17 OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today urged Oklahoma families to open or contribute to an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan account before the April 17 tax filing deadline to take advantage of the state’s income tax deduction. Oklahoma families have saved more than half a billion dollars for college in...Read More

February 2, 2012 News Release Oklahoma Economy Expands, But . . . OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy showed growth for a 23rd consecutive month in January as all but one revenue stream improved over the same month of the prior year, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross receipts report. “Unfortunately, the one source of revenue on the decline – the gross production tax – is a key driver of Oklahoma’s economy and could...Read More

January 27, 2012 News Release Favorite Girl Scout Cookie Contest Announced for Eastern Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – As thousands of Girl Scouts across Oklahoma celebrate the centennial of their organization and prepare for the annual cookie sale, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today a statewide election which promises to be a tight race and only can have one winner. With a new cookie contender entering this year’s race, Miller has asked all Oklahomans to vote during the fourth annual Oklahoma’s Favorite Girl Scout...Read More

January 27, 2012 News Release Favorite Girl Scout Cookie Contest Announced for Western Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – As thousands of Girl Scouts across Oklahoma celebrate the centennial of their organization and prepare for the annual cookie sale, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today a statewide election which promises to be a tight race and only can have one winner. With a new cookie contender entering this year’s race, Miller has asked all Oklahomans to vote during the fourth annual Oklahoma’s Favorite Girl Scout...Read More

January 26, 2012 News Release Taxes, incentives and spending . . . oh my! Treasurer’s commentary By State Treasurer Ken Miller Numerous surveys show the vast majority of Oklahomans believe our state is moving in the right direction. The yellow brick road the state is traveling has been paved by a hard-working people, abundant natural resources and a pioneering spirit. With nearly unparalleled growth in employment, migration, productivity, and per capita income, even the naysayer can recognize...Read More

January 4, 2012 News Release 2011 Brought Improved Economic Health to Oklahoma OKLAHOMA STATE TREASURER KEN MILLER For Immediate Release: January 4, 2012 2011 Brought Improved Economic Health to Oklahoma Economic doctors say 2012 looking even better OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy quickened the pace of its recovery during 2011, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross receipts report. “December was 11.1 percent...Read More

December 22, 2011 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Getting Taxes Right EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is the latest monthly column by Treasurer Miller and was originally published in the December edition of the Oklahoma Economic Report. It is 501 words. By State Treasurer Ken Miller For decades, Republicans wearing the minority party label at 23rd and Lincoln trumpeted lowering the state’s personal income tax. The boldest among them called for complete elimination. In an April 2001...Read More

December 7, 2011 News Release Treasurer Miller: College Savings Perfect Holiday Gift for Newborns Reminds parents of 2011 babies to enter Newborn Sweepstakes for chance to win $5,529 toward college OKLAHOMA CITY – Sleep might be the best holiday gift for the parents of a newborn, but since you can’t wrap it, State Treasurer Ken Miller encourages friends and families to open or contribute to an Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) for a gift that will last the child’s lifetime. As Oklahoma’s only...Read More

December 1, 2011 News Release Oklahoma Economy Appears Headed into Happy Holiday Season OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy continues its upward trend as the state enters the Christmas season, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross receipts report. “We are again seeing growth in all areas measured by revenue collections, which points to an economically healthy holiday season,” Miller said. November collections were 13.2 percent higher than in...Read More

November 16, 2011 News Release Additional Tobacco Trust Earnings Certified OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund Board of Investors has certified an additional $17.3 million in earnings for use in the coming year to combat tobacco addiction and other health issues, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Miller is chairman of the board that oversees investment of Oklahoma’s share of the national Master Settlement Agreement. The additional certification came...Read More

November 3, 2011 News Release Oklahoma Economy Rises Above Worldwide Chaos OKLAHOMA CITY – In spite of external threats, volatile markets and global instability, Oklahoma’s economy is rising above the chaos, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross receipts report. “With yet another month of healthy collections, it appears Oklahoma’s economy is hitting its stride,” Miller said. October collections were 7.4 percent higher than in...Read More

October 28, 2011 News Release Unclaimed Property Reporting Goes Online OKLAHOMA CITY – This week, businesses holding unclaimed property for Oklahomans are for the first time reporting the information via the internet through the state treasurer’s web site, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Prior to the addition of online reporting, businesses were required to submit their lists of unclaimed property owners using computer diskettes and paper. Treasurer Miller said the new...Read More

October 25, 2011 News Release Winners Announced in Kids on College Survey Sweepstakes   State Treasurer Ken Miller releases surprising numbers and quotes gathered in survey for Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Month OKLAHOMA CITY - State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced that 15 percent of Oklahoman children who took a Kids on College Survey believe their college education will cost $1 million per year and eight percent surveyed believe it will cost $5.  In actuality, recent...Read More

October 10, 2011 News Release More than $320,000 in Unclaimed Property Found During 2011 Tulsa State Fair OKLAHOMA CITY — Cash and stock worth more than $320,000 was found for 486 people attending the 2011 Tulsa State Fair, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. The money was found for fair patrons who visited the treasurer’s “Pot of Gold” booth in the Quik Trip Center. As administrator of Oklahoma’s unclaimed property program, Miller has more than $350 million for more than 600,000 people. The...Read More

October 6, 2011 News Release Unclaimed Property found so far at 2011 Tulsa State Fair tops $135,000 TULSA – More than $135,000 in unclaimed property has been found so far this year for people attending the Tulsa State Fair, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced. Miller made the announcement after spending time helping fair goers search for unclaimed property at the Pot of Gold booth at the fair in Tulsa. Since the fair started on September 29, some $135,690 has been found for 143 fair attendees. The largest, single find was...Read More

October 4, 2011 News Release Oklahoma Economy Shows Steady Growth in September Treasurer Miller says external threats to economy were “kept at bay” OKLAHOMA CITY – More than 18 months after revenues began climbing from the depths of the Great Recession, the Oklahoma economy is again showing steady growth across all sectors, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross revenue report. September collections were 7.1 percent higher than in September...Read More

September 26, 2011 News Release Treasurer Miller Looking to Give Away Money at Tulsa Fair Just-Finished Oklahoma City Fair Found Almost $350,000 for Fair Goers OKLAHOMA CITY – Having just found almost $350,000 for Oklahoma City fair attendees, State Treasurer Ken Miller is heading up the turnpike to help people at the Tulsa State Fair find their “Pot of Gold.” Miller, administrator of Oklahoma's Unclaimed Property Fund, has $350 million for 600,000 Oklahomans. “Everyone...Read More

September 21, 2011 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Shaken or stirred By State Treasurer Ken Miller Today, Oklahoma continues to embrace recovery while our nation continues to stall.  Our state has outperformed throughout the upturn, but cannot swim against tide forever. Oklahoma needs a strong national economy, just as the nation needs a resilient global economy. Persistent economic weakness has prompted discussion of another round of “stimulus.” Such thinking is counter to the...Read More

September 19, 2011 News Release Treasurer Miller Helps Fair Goers Look for Unclaimed Property OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller took a turn at helping Oklahoma State Fair attendees search for unclaimed property Monday morning at the booth operated by his office in the Cox Pavilion. Miller spent his time at the fair searching for the names of fair patrons. During the first four days of this year’s fair, more than $100,000 has been found for 169 fair attendees. One fair patron was reunited with 772 shares of...Read More

September 12, 2011 News Release Treasurer Miller Heading to State Fair with $350 Million in Unclaimed Property OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller is heading to the Oklahoma State Fair to look for the owners of $350 million in unclaimed property. The treasurer and his employees have a list of 600,000 Oklahomans that are owed the unclaimed property, and they’ll be staffing a booth in the Cox Pavilion throughout the fair in Oklahoma City to help reunite fair goers with their money. This year marks the start of the second...Read More

September 6, 2011 News Release Oklahoma Economy Hot in August Treasurer says energy and income collections fueled the growth OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy matched the temperatures in August, as revenue collection grew at a double-digit pace in spite of concerns of a worldwide slowdown, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly revenue report. August collections were 15.2 percent higher than in August of last year, nearly matching the...Read More

September 1, 2011 News Release Treasurer Miller announces Kids on College Survey Sweepstakes Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan partners with GAP Stores to celebrate Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Month OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today challenged Oklahoma kindergarten through fifth grade students and their parents to test their knowledge about college and its future costs during September – Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Month. As part of the Kids on College Survey Sweepstakes, the...Read More

August 24, 2011 News Release $18.9 Million in Tobacco Trust Earnings Certified OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund Board of Investors has certified $18.9 million in earnings for use in the coming year to combat tobacco addiction and other health issues, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today. Miller is chairman of the board that oversees investment of Oklahoma’s share of the national Master Settlement Agreement. The board met to certify the annual earnings on...Read More

August 19, 2011 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Concerning confidence   By State Treasurer Ken MIller It is widely understood that a free market economy has many variables on which growth is dependent. Less understood is the impact of the intangible determinant called confidence – how people feel about their financial situation, business and the direction of the country. Lately, there has been a great deal of attention focused on this translucent and sometimes irrational...Read More

August 10, 2011 News Release Treasurer Miller Announces Certification of Funds for EDGE Projects OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the certification of $7.2 million in earnings from the EDGE endowment fund. EDGE stands for “Economic Development Generating Excellence.” Miller serves as chairman of the EDGE Fund Board of Investors. On Tuesday, the board certified the available funds during a meeting at the State Capitol. “I’m pleased we have been able to maximize earnings for...Read More

August 4, 2011 News Release Treasurer Miller Warns of Unclaimed Property Email Scam OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller warned Oklahomans today to be alert to an e-mail scam telling the recipient they have international unclaimed property worth millions in cash. The e-mail claims to be from an unclaimed property official and implies the FBI has cleared the matter. It attempts to look like an official notification and says the recipient doesn’t have to pay to receive the funds. If the e-mail recipient...Read More

August 2, 2011 News Release July Revenue Shows Moderated Economic Growth Treasurer says energy industry continues to lead revenues OKLAHOMA CITY – July revenues show moderate economic growth as collections continue to beat the prior year, although collections have pulled back from the double-digit numbers seen last month, Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the state’s monthly gross revenue report. “July collections were up by 6.8 percent from July of last year and 14.4 percent...Read More

July 27, 2011 News Release Miller Takes Message of Oklahoma Conservative Fiscal Policy to Washington   Treasurer addresses meeting of Americans for Tax Reform   As politicians in the nation’s capitol run amok in a fight over raising the nation’s debt ceiling, State Treasurer Ken Miller spoke Wednesday to Americans for Tax Reform in Washington, D.C., showcasing the Oklahoma model for conservative fiscal policy. Miller was invited to address the taxpayer advocacy group, founded in 1985 by Grover...Read More

July 18, 2011 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: It's the spending, stupid! By State Treasurer Ken Miller While recent reports show state economic prospects heating up, no recovery is guaranteed. Oklahoma is not immune from macroeconomic conditions or bad decisions made in our nation’s capitol. Unfortunately, the current Washington stalemate threatens our economic recovery just as it’s catching fire. With the federal government borrowing 40-cents of every dollar spent, much focus is on the US debt...Read More

July 5, 2011 News Release June Revenue Shows State Economic Growth Accelerating Treasurer warns Washington inaction on debt could harm state recovery OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy is expanding at an accelerating pace, Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he released the revenue report on total tax commission collections in June. “Now entering the third year of the cyclical expansion, Oklahoma’s double-digit revenue growth last month shows our state’s economy is clearly regaining...Read More

June 2, 2011 News Release Twelve-Month Receipts Top $10 Billion OKLAHOMA CITY – The State Treasurer’s May revenue report shows Oklahoma’s economy has made up more than one-third of the dollars lost during the Great Recession, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today. Milestone Reached Twelve-month receipts ending in May are $10.071 billion, marking the first time since August 2009 that the 12-month total has topped $10 billion. “Oklahoma’s economy has...Read More

May 26, 2011 News Release Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan Announces Summer Reading Sweepstakes OKLAHOMA CITY – Two Oklahoma organizations are ready to reward two avid summer readers each with a college savings account worth $2,529 during the 2011 Summer Reading Program. As National 5-29 College Savings Day approaches, Sunday, May 29th, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced the Destination College Savings Sweepstakes, a partnership between the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL),...Read More

May 18, 2011 News Release Treasurer's Commentary: Let the grading begin By State Treasurer Ken Miller With the Legislature ready to adjourn, performance reviews can now begin in earnest. This historic year has brought notable achievements and a few disappointments. Accompanying the wholesale change in state leadership, significant legislative accomplishments and bold reforms were signed into law. Landmark pension legislation was enacted that will reduce our unfunded obligations. Considerable improvements...Read More

May 3, 2011 News Release April Revenue Report Shows Continued Growth in Spite of High Fuel Prices OKLAHOMA CITY – Broad measurement of Oklahoma’s economy in April shows growth over the prior year in spite of rising gasoline and diesel fuel prices, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as his office issued its monthly revenue report. During April, receipts to the State Treasury totaled $1.074 billion. That is an increase of $94.23 million or 9.6 percent over April of last year. In the past 12 months, gross collections...Read More

April 28, 2011 News Release Pension Commission Adopts Reforms OKLAHOMA CITY – Facing more than $16 billion in unfunded liability in the state’s public pension systems, the Oklahoma State Pension Commission this afternoon adopted recommendations of key reforms to present to state leaders in the closing weeks of the legislative session “The recommendations adopted by the Pension Commission, if enacted by the Legislature and approved by the Governor, will set us on a course to...Read More

April 20, 2011 News Release Almost $76 million in Tobacco Settlement Funds Received OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced the receipt of Oklahoma’s annual tobacco settlement payment. Miller said more than $75.9 million has been received from the tobacco industry, 75 percent of which went directly into the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund. “We immediately put these funds to work to generate more money to prevent and reduce tobacco use, invest in cutting-edge research, and...Read More

April 19, 2011 News Release Treasurer Miller Preparing Pension Reform Recommendations OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller is finalizing his recommendations to correct Oklahoma’s huge unfunded pension liability and expects to make them public within the coming days. Miller, chairman of the Pension Oversight Commission, said he will first meet with Governor Mary Fallin and then with the commission at a special meeting. “The severity of Oklahoma’s pension crisis is well established. Most...Read More

April 4, 2011 News Release Thin Mints and Samoas tie as Oklahoma's Favorite Girl Scout Cookie State Treasurer and Election Board Secretary settle run-off with coin toss OKLAHOMA CITY – After an intense statewide election, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today a tie in the 2011 vote for Oklahoma’s Favorite Girl Scout Cookie, sponsored by the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP). The Treasurer called upon State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax to assist in determining the winning cookies since Thin...Read More

April 4, 2011 News Release Latest Revenue Report Shows Oklahoma Economy Steadily Growing Treasurer Miller says data show “relatively good pace” of expansion OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy shows evidence of continued gradual improvement, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as his office issued its monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury report. During March, receipts to the State Treasury totaled $923.26 million. That is an increase of $51.56 million or 5.9 percent over March of last year. In...Read More

March 16, 2011 News Release Statement from Treasurer Ken Miller Regarding Newsletter   Statement from Treasurer Ken Miller Regarding Launch of  the Oklahoma Economic Report Monthly Newsletter   “Today we are releasing the premiere edition of the Oklahoma Economic Report. We will publish this newsletter each month to deliver business and economic news relevant to our state. We will also provide analysis and commentary on various policy issues as well as a comprehensive look...Read More

February 28, 2011 News Release Treasurer Miller Appoints Investment Advisory Committee OKLAHOMA CITY – State Treasurer Ken Miller today announced appointment of a committee to advise him on investment of the state’s $5 billion investment portfolio. Miller said the goal of the five-member committee is to examine the state’s portfolio structure and provide recommendations to maximize investment returns given changing market conditions. “With our macro environment transitioning from a recessionary to a...Read More

February 14, 2011 News Release January Revenue Shows Incremental Recovery Continues Treasurer Miller says recovery is taking hold OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma showed healthy economic activity at the start of the new year demonstrating the recovery is taking hold, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he issued revenue reports for January. Preliminary reports show General Revenue Fund collections in January are $490.3 million. That amount is: • $79.9 million or 19.5 percent above the prior year; and,...Read More

February 11, 2011 News Release Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan, Girl Scouts Launch Annual Favorite Girl Scout Cookie Vote Treasurer Miller encourages public to vote for Oklahoma’s Favorite Girl Scout Cookie and Troop OKLAHOMA CITY – As thousands of Girl Scouts across Oklahoma sharpen their business skills and prepare for the annual cookie sales drive, State Treasurer Ken Miller announced today a statewide election which promises to be a tight race and can only have one winner. Miller is asking all Oklahomans to vote for Oklahoma’s favorite...Read More

January 11, 2011 News Release December Revenue Tops Estimate and Prior Year At Fiscal Year midpoint, Miller says state economy is gaining strength OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s economy appears to be continuing its slow and steady recovery from the recession, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as he issued revenue reports for December and the first half of the state’s fiscal year. Preliminary reports show General Revenue Fund collections in December are $454.5 million. That amount is:...Read More

January 10, 2011 News Release Miller sworn in as Oklahoma's 18th State Treasurer OKLAHOMA CITY – Ken Miller was sworn in as Oklahoma’s 18th State Treasurer during inaugural ceremonies on the south steps of the State Capitol on Monday. Miller was elected with nearly 67 percent of the vote in the November 2010 General Election. “In the Treasurer’s Office, I will continue my work for fiscal responsibility and a low-tax environment for Oklahoma businesses and citizens,” he said....Read More

December 2, 2010 News Release Treasurer-elect Miller Announces Leadership Team  OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma State Treasurer-elect Ken Miller today announced the appointment of his leadership team effective when he is sworn in as Oklahoma's 18th state treasurer on January 10th. Miller said his top aides will be Regina Birchum as Deputy Treasurer for Policy and Chief of Staff, Susan Nicewander as Deputy Treasurer for Operations, and Tim Allen as Deputy Treasurer for Communications and Program...Read More