Parson picks Fitzpatrick for state treasurer

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday announced his selection of state Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick to be the next state treasurer.

Parson said at a news conference Wednesday that he has selected Fitzpatrick to take over the office that will be vacated by current State Treasurer Eric Schmitt. Schmitt is set to become Missouri attorney general next month, taking the place of current attorney general and U.S. Sen.-elect Josh Hawley. Schmitt was appointed to the attorney general’s office by Parson, as well.

“Fitzpatrick has more experience and knowledge of the state budget than any other elected official,” Parson said.

“As a millennial, he will soon be one of the youngest statewide officials in modern times,” Parson said.

Parson said Fitzpatrick has been a leader in balancing Missouri’s $28 billion budget.

“He did so while fully funding the K-12 education foundation formula, was instrumental in providing Missourians with much needed tax relief,” Parson said.

Fitzpatrick won election as state representative in 2012 and has represented Barry and portions of Stone and Lawrence counties in southwest Missouri. He founded MariCorp US., a Shell Knob-based marine manufacturing and construction company.

“I want to thank Governor Parson for the tremendous honor of being selected as Missouri’s next state treasurer,” Fitzpatrick said in a written statement. “As house budget chairman, I’ve worked to protect Missouri taxpayers by passing balanced budgets that eliminate wasteful spending while investing in our shared priorities. As State Treasurer, I’ll continue to work each and every day to promote government transparency and efficiency.”

The appointment is the third Parson has made to a statewide office. Parson, a former lieutenant governor, appointed current Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe last year after taking over the governor’s office upon Eric Greitens’ resignation.