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Monday, Feb. 13, 2012
Farewell letter (01/04/11)
Four years ago you granted me the extraordinary privilege to serve as your state treasurer. Throughout my term, I have been overwhelmed by the support and gratitude that Nebraskans have shown to me for this service. With that I have strived to honor the trust that you have placed in me and live up to the promises that I made to you while campaigning for this office...
What would $50 million buy? (12/21/10)
How much is $50,000,000.00? My office wondered the same thing, so we did a little research. With $50 million, you could buy 2,173 brand new Ford F150's, which start at around $23,000 each. At about $3 each, you could buy more than 16,000,000 Runza Sandwiches. ...
Remembering those who served (11/12/10)
This week, we collectively pause as a nation to celebrate and commemorate our heroic fellow citizens who have served in the United States Military. Ronald Reagan once said that "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. ...
Don't eliminate state treasurer's office (10/22/10)
On November 2, Nebraska voters will head to the polls with the option of eliminating the position of State Treasurer. Since I was sworn into this office four years ago, I have come to realize just how significant a role the State Treasurer plays within our government. ...
College savings plans (09/03/10)
In a recent study done by the Center for Social Development, it is reported that when a family has a savings account for college (no matter how big or small the savings may be,) raises a young person's educational expectations. What we can take from this is the importance of having an open discussion with your child about the importance of the future of their education, as well as the financial responsibility that comes along with tuition savings. ...
A new travel destination (08/13/10)
Summertime in Nebraska is the perfect time for a road trip. Families often set off throughout the state to visit Chimney Rock, chart the Louis and Clark Trail, Fort Robinson, or any of our beautiful state parks. Today marks the inception of another Nebraska travel destination: Nebraska's First State Veterans Cemetery at Alliance. ...
Nebraska's pro-business climate (08/09/10)
This week, expert Brent Pollina released his annual study of America's Most Pro-Business states. Nebraska climbs from last year's #15 position, to a current #6. This ranking is a further example of what we as Nebraskans already know. Nebraska's strength is visible in the way our economy has managed to remain, by and large, steady and secure through the past few years of recession. It is an impressive feat, as most state economies have suffered and are struggling to regain footing...
$80 million waiting to be claimed (07/23/10)
Too much can never be said when encouraging people to search for unclaimed property. In Nebraska, there is still some $80 million in unclaimed assets that sits and waits to be claimed. While a search database for Nebraska's unclaimed property can be accessed from treasurer.org, there is also a nation-wide site which allows visitors to search unclaimed assets in all 50 states. Missingmoney.com works in conjunction with state governments in helping to promote unclaimed property searches...
'Golf Fore the Troops' Pro-Am to fund scholarships (07/16/10)
Many of our fellow citizens are currently serving in our Military on active duty, and in doing so, are making some enormous sacrifices. It is not until they return to civilian life that they can once again begin to pursue their own personal goals and ambitions. ...
Independence Day (07/02/10)
As we celebrate the 234th Birthday of our United States of America, it is fitting to reflect on the heroic acts of our Founding Fathers. 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. By doing so, these men freely and willingly committed high treason. ...
Long Term Care Savings Plans (06/25/10)
With summer comes time for family gatherings. Memories are made, and families enjoy vacations, barbeques, sporting events, and leisure. None of us delight in the topic of our health and financial security as we get older. It is a subject that is often kept under the rug, as it can be awkward and unpleasant. However, none of us desire for financial worry or the stress of health trouble to fall onto our children or our spouses. It is an smart choice to have that discussion today...
State Treasurer's office handles all child support payments (06/18/10)
One of several facets of the State Treasurer's Office is the Nebraska State Disbursement Unit, which handles the collection and disbursement of all child support payments made throughout the state. Each month, nearly 23 million dollars is processed through our department and disbursed to custodial parents and primary caregivers. We have taken great strides to streamline our efforts, and to reach new levels of efficiency...
Giving their last full measure (05/28/10)
With Memorial Day weekend upon us, we look forward to another splendid Nebraska summer. But before we leap ahead, let us pause for a moment to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. Without a doubt, what makes this country great are the men and women who sign up to defend a cause greater than themselves. They are defending our freedom; something so precious and so extraordinary that to die for it would be the ultimate honor...
Congratulations graduates (05/21/10)
May is graduation season. Many recent high school grads excitedly await the start of their college career, while college grads look to their next venture in life. This is an excellent time to reflect on the value of a higher education. It has been estimated that with a college degree, an individual can make nearly $1 million more in a life time than someone without a one. Planning and saving for college is one of the most meaningful and important investments you can make for your child...
National Armed Forces Day (05/14/10)
Saturday, May 15 is National Armed Forces Day; A day to celebrate and commemorate the continued sacrifice and bravery of our men and women in uniform. According to the Department of Defense, Nebraska currently has over 17,000 men and women in service. ...
Do you have unclaimed property? (05/10/10)
Throughout March and April, I have had the privilege of traveling throughout Nebraska and returning Unclaimed Property to its rightful owners. While I interact with the people of Nebraska, I am reminded of all the things I love about this state: solid, hard working individuals who want what is best for their families. ...
National Financial Literacy Month (04/09/10)
We made it to April. After a galling winter that at times seemed like it would never end, it is finally another radiant Nebraska springtime. The welcomed warm air and new spring growth are literally a breath of fresh air after months of frigid temperatures and dim skies. It seems that on this side of the fence, the grass actually is greener. But April is not only the beginning of spring; it is also National Financial Literacy Month...
State's fiscal health ranks high (04/02/10)
Recently, Forbes Magazine took an in-depth look at our country's current fiscal situation. The goal was to determine why so many state economies are floundering, and why so few are thriving. We can all be proud to know that Nebraska is ranked in the top three of the nation's most financially-healthy states. ...
Technology and government efficiency (03/26/10)
Nebraskans deserve a government that utilizes technology to better serve the people. As an elected official, I have always looked for ways to save money and to accomplish more with less. I firmly believe that use of technology goes hand-in-hand with government efficiency...
A more transparent, accountable government (03/19/10)
Providing a more accountable and transparent government has always been one of my primary goals. I believe that taxpayers have the right to know exactly where their money goes. One of my proudest accomplishments as your State Treasurer has been the launching of nebraskaspending.gov...
Long-term care savings (03/05/10)
Planning for financial security and healthcare in our later years is not something we may relish in considering. However, if you take the first steps today, it can be quite a painless process. Protecting the quality of life for yourself and your loved ones can be as simple as opening a Nebraska Long-Term Care Savings Plan (NLTCSP). ...
Unclaimed property (02/26/10)
Throughout my term as State Treasurer, returning Unclaimed Property has become a passion of mine. I have made it a goal to actively pursue the owners of these lost and forgotten assets rather than wait for them to come to us. Rarely do states take such a proactive stance on returning these assets, but in Nebraska we have done record-breaking work in returning Unclaimed Property...
'Why I Want to Go To College' essay contest (02/19/10)
LINCOLN -- The Nebraska State Treasurer's Office, along with Nebraska's College Saving Plan Program and The Omaha Royals Baseball club are currently sponsoring the 8th annual "Why I Want to Go to College" essay contest across the state and surrounding areas for 7th and 8th grade students...
State Treasurer Shane Osborn
Nebraska State Treasurer