FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2010

MILWAUKEE ECONOMY LOSES $1.2 MILLION CONFERENCE IF STATE TREASURER DAWN MARIE SASS LOSES RACE

MILWAUKEE – Today, the National Association of State Treasurers expressed concern for the future of its annual conference slated for Milwaukee in 2012 if State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass is not re-elected. The conference is estimated to pump into Milwaukee’s economy $1.2 million.

“This conference would not take place in Wisconsin if it had not been for the perseverance of Treasurer Sass,” said Jonathan Lawniczak, Executive Director and CEO of the National Association of State Treasurers.

Repulican challenger Kurt Schuller has vowed to do away with the office of State Treasurer. During an interview Wednesday with WJFW-TV in Rhinelander, Schuller said, “I have started my campaign on the pledge that I would support a constitutional amendment to eliminate the offices of Treasurer and Secretary of State.” Schuller pledges to do so within a year of being elected.

“If successful, and there’s not a State Treasurer or State Treasurer office, that would cost the city of Milwaukee the 2012 NAST conference. Along with it, the $1.2 million in revenue,” Sass Said. “I worked hard to bring that conference to our state and that money into our economy.”

The NAST Executive Director requires each host State Treasurer raise $200,000 to help put on the conference. That money goes to meals and a number of roundtable discussions with the various State Treasurers. Last year, Treasurer Sass updated all her colleagues on federal legislation designed to return non redeemed savings bonds to their rightful owners.

“We learn how to put even more money back into the pockets of our citizens. It’s a necessary conference to serve the people of Wisconsin,” Sass said. “Not only do we return money to the public through our unclaimed property division, I have personally taken on the responsibility of attracting business to this State I love so much. I continue my crusade to pump up this economy. I am honored to do this on behalf of the hard working men and women of Wisconsin struggling to support their businesses and their families. ”

Contact: sassfor treasurer@gmail.com 414.424.3095