LETTERS: VOTERS THANKED BY STATE TREASURER

To the editor:

On behalf of the Yes on Amendment 5 Committee, I want to personally thank the overwhelming majority of voters (76 percent) who on Election Day supported the addition of Amendment 5 to the Missouri Constitution.

Passage of Amendment 5 will require elected officials and government finance officers, including the state treasurer, to be more accountable to Missouri taxpayers by requiring a written investment policy, diversifying Missouri's investment portfolio and extending the maturity dates to increase our return on investments.

Because of the growing economy, the states investment portfolio already has earned $750 million in interest since I took office six years ago. Thanks to the passage of Amendment 5, the state is poised to earn an additional $7 million to $10 million in interest from the investment of state funds. This is extra revenue that will be much appreciated when the economy isn't so prosperous.

In seeking the office of state treasurer, I promised to enhance the quality and professionalism of Missouri's investment practices. Amendment 5 helps fulfill this pledge and prepares Missouri for investing in the next century.

State Treasurer BOB HOLDEN

Jefferson City