Vivek Malek

Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek dismissed concerns about legality of machines in letter to House chairman, says advertising costs nothing to promote Unclaimed Property program.

The chair of a Missouri House appropriations committee is demanding Treasurer Vivek Malek answer questions about the state’s involvement with Torch Electronics.

Income and geographic restrictions would be loosened for a tax-credit program that provides scholarships to help pay for private school tuition under a bill debated Wednesday by the Missouri Senate’s education committee.

The Missouri State Employees Retirement Fund reversed its previous decision to reject a divestment proposal from Treasurer Vivek Malek. One of the four legislators on the board accused Malek of playing politics with state investments to boost his 2024 election chances.

The Carthage Republican has chaired the House Budget Committee since 2019.

The attorney becomes the first person of color to serve in a statewide office. Malek, who was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson, says he intends to run for the position at the end of this term.

Vivek Malek is succeeding Scott Fitzpatrick, who was elected state auditor in November. The election for the next treasurer will occur in 2024, and Malek says he plans to run for the position.