During the past two years, I am proud to have helped return over a half-million dollars in unclaimed property to my constituents in Auburn, New Gloucester, Poland, Minot and Mechanic Falls.

When first elected to the Maine Senate two years ago, I sought to help Mainers keep more money in their own pockets by cutting taxes and streamlining government. But I must admit, I didn’t expect the opportunity to help return so much unclaimed property to my constituents.

Through letters, phone calls and simply asking around to find new addresses, my office was able to help reunite the people of my district — many completely unaware the government was holding anything for them — with more than $500,000 in unclaimed property.

Each year, legislators can help facilitate the return of unclaimed property to Mainers. Unclaimed property consists of money or other personal assets that are considered lost or abandoned when an owner cannot be located, often because they have moved. Unclaimed property can be anything from safety deposit box contents to unpaid wages.

It really is wonderful to be able to help people put their own money back in their wallets.

If any local Maine people haven’t yet checked the unclaimed property list, I highly encourage them to do so. They may have money waiting for them they are unaware of.

Sen. Eric Brakey, Auburn, Maine Senate District 20

Editor’s note: The Unclaimed Property list can be checked online at maine.gov/treasurer/unclaimed_property/online/ or by phone at 207-624-7470.