What does the State Treasurer do?
Sure, it's a simple question, but as a public official elected by state-wide vote, it's one of the biggest challenges I face when it comes to connecting with the general public.
Put simply: The State Treasurer is responsible for the safety and security of state tax dollars — now and in the future.
More specifically, the State Treasurer is responsible for:
- Managing cash flow of all major state accounts with deposits, withdrawals and transfers totaling over $408 billion last year.
- Investing the state's operating cash in short-term, interest bearing accounts that preserve our ability to access the funds.
- Issuing and managing all of the state's debt with bond sales that finance major projects, certificates of participation that help state agencies and local governments purchase equipment, and guaranteeing school bonds.
- In addition: The State Treasurer provides guidance for the management of long-term debt and investments as a member of a number of boards and commissions including the State Investment Board.
Of course, all of these responsibilities are, in and of themselves, extremely complex. I hope you find this website goes a long way toward explaining the operational details of this office and helping you understand how we manage your tax dollars.
As Washington's chief financial officer, I am dedicated to providing reliable banking services for state agencies, secure investment of state money, prudent financing of major state construction projects, and trustworthy accounting services that provide transparency for the public.
Below is a breakdown of all the numerous services the Office of the State Treasurer provides on a daily basis. Click one of the links below to learn how the Office of the State Treasurer is working for you:
Aside from the duties within the Office of the State Treasurer, my position on the State Investment Board, Housing Finance Commission, State Finance Committee, Public Deposit Protection Commission, GET Board, and the Economic Development Finance Authority allows me to raise awareness of investment, housing, finance, and economic development issues. Click any of the links to learn more about these important resources.
Treasurer's Office Responsibilities
The Office of the State Treasurer is responsible for the development of an agency strategic plan, budget, and other financial reports. To learn more about how the Office of the State Treasurer is planning for the future, click one of the links below.
- Agency Activity Inventory
- Summary Financial Report for the Current Biennium
- Budgeted Operating Expenditures
Transportation projects are currently financed with gas tax revenue. For information about projects managed by the Department of Transportation (WSDOT) click on one of the links below.
- Transportation Finance: Learn more about how we are funding transportation.
- Transportation Projects: Get a list of projects in your neighborhood.
NOTE: The Office of the State Treasurer does not manage Unclaimed Property.
For information on abandoned wages, stock dividends, and deposits, please click on the above link or contact the Department of Revenue, Special Programs Division, Miscellaneous Tax Section at 1-800-435-2429 (within State of Washington only) or 360-570-3231.