Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek has announced key legislative achievements from the 2025 regular session aimed at protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring responsible, return-focused investment strategies.
A top priority for Treasurer Malek was the advancement of a divestment policy targeting companies owned or controlled by foreign adversaries—especially those identified as national security threats. Backed by Representative Barry Hovis, the policy was incorporated into House Bill 147, which passed both chambers and now awaits the Governor’s signature. The divestment policy follows similar standards first applied at the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) in 2023 and reflects both national security concerns and consistent underperformance of such investments in global markets.
HB 147 also includes a second major reform supported by Malek: ensuring public pension fiduciaries prioritize financial returns when voting proxies or managing investments. Championed by Representative Bill Owen, this measure reinforces Malek’s efforts to push back against the use of political agendas in financial management. Earlier this year, the Treasurer led a coalition questioning Vanguard’s trustee election process, citing concerns over political influence. Vanguard currently manages Missouri’s MOST 529 Education Plan.
Looking ahead, Treasurer Malek remains focused on strengthening the MOST 529 College Savings Plan and expanding financial literacy education statewide.
For more information, visit treasurer.mo.gov.
