The Maine State Treasurer’s Office releases a list of the unclaimed property in the state every year. The Unclaimed Property Program includes millions of dollars’ worth of Mainers’ property that was unable to be returned to its rightful owner. Last year alone, Mainers lost $20 million in unclaimed property. Such property includes bank balances from old accounts, stock dividends, overpaid bills and other assets.

The Treasurer’s Office holds these assets free of charge. You can search the list for your name, a family member or your business at here. Should you find something to claim, the beginning steps can be done right from the website. If you have any trouble at all, please call the Treasurer’s office at 207- 624-7470 and someone will assist you.

Many Mainers in the greater Gorham area and across the state are unaware they have unclaimed property in their name. This property should be returned to its rightful owner, so please take a moment to see if you, a family member or your business is listed.

I do urge Gorham residents and others to use caution regarding scams. In past years, the State Treasurer has issued warnings of phone calls, emails and letters in the mail asking for you to pay a fee upfront in order to claim your property. As stated above, there is no fee to claim your property. If you think you are the target of a scam, please report this to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-800-436-2131.

In other Augusta news, things have certainly picked up speed at the State House with committees meeting regularly and considering emergency legislation and measures carried over from last year. If you would like to keep track of legislation being considered each week, you can check the public hearing and work session schedule on the Legislature’s website.

Public hearings are a great opportunity for members of the public to have their voices heard on any piece of legislation. You can attend the public hearing and present your testimony, or you can email your testimony and comments to the committee clerk who will make sure it is delivered to committee members. If you have any questions on this, please let me know.

If you find a public hearing or work session you are interested in listening to online, you can follow “listen to all committees hearings and work sessions” through the Legislature’s website.