I’m writing to urge all Maine residents to check the State Treasurer’s list of unclaimed property to see if they are missing money.

Every year, millions of dollars never get to their rightful owners and end up in a statewide pool until they are claimed. Last year alone, Mainers lost more than $20 million in unpaid wages, forgotten bank accounts, dividends, settlements, insurance policies and a number of other sources.

A variety of circumstances can cause property to go unclaimed. People move, phone numbers change, addresses get lost.

It really is worth people taking two or three minutes to go online at www.maine.gov/upsearch and search for their name and the names of their family members. There is no fee to process a claim — this is a public service.

Last year, the treasurer’s office and legislators successfully returned more than half of the unclaimed property money in the state. This year, public officials are joining forces to make sure we do an even better job.

Rep. Lori Fowle

D-Vassalboro