PRESS RELEASE
State Treasurer Malek Recaps End of 2025 Legislative Session
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek announced legislative achievements from the 2025 regular session that protect taxpayer dollars and promote responsible, return-focused investment practices. “As your State Treasurer, my mission is simple: protect your hard-earned money and invest it wisely,” said Treasurer Malek. “This session, that meant taking meaningful action to ensure Missouri dollars are not invested in hostile foreign regimes.” One of the Treasurer’s top priorities was advancing a divestment policy that requires Missouri public retirement systems to pull investments from companies owned or controlled by foreign adversaries—especially those designated as national security threats. Just as important, these investments have consistently underperformed when compared to other opportunities in the global marketplace. This policy builds on the standard Treasurer Malek implemented at the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) in 2023. With the support of Representative Barry Hovis, the policy was included in House Bill 147, which passed both chambers and now awaits the governor’s signature. House Bill 147 also included a second reform supported by the Treasurer: ensuring that investment fiduciaries prioritize financial returns when voting proxies or managing public pension assets. This provision, championed by Representative Bill Owen, builds on actions the Treasurer took earlier this year to push back on progressive politics in financial institutions, including leading a coalition of state financial officers questioning Vanguard’s trustee election process. Vanguard manages investments for Missouri’s MOST 529 Education Plan. “Families saving for their children’s education deserve assurance that their investment managers are focused on performance,” said Treasurer Malek. Looking ahead, the Treasurer reaffirms his commitment to priorities that still lie ahead, which include expanding access to financial literacy education and strengthening Missouri’s MOST 529 College Savings Plan.
