Factors to Consider When Analyzing the Need for an Elected State Treasurer

Abstract

Since 2010, public officials or other stakeholders in at least seven states have proposed the elimination of the publicly‐elected state treasurer position in their respective states. Advocates claim this would cut costs while opponents argue that it would decrease accountability and checks and balances. During the mid‐1990s and early 2000s, three states (Texas, Minnesota, and Florida) eliminated the elected state treasurer position. This paper presents case studies of what happened in those states and uses the findings, along with other information, to discuss factors to consider when evaluating whether a state should eliminate its elected state treasurer position.