Treasurer beats governor; plan surpasses half a billion
Released March 2, 2005

      CHARLESTON – Before defeating Gov. Joe Manchin in basketball shooting accuracy, State Treasurer John Perdue announced a milestone in West Virginia’s SMART529 college savings plan.
      Perdue announced that the West Virginia-sponsored program had surpassed $500 million in total assets. That means investors have put that much down, including interest, in preparation for their children’s college futures.
      Perdue’s office administers the plan in conjunction with The Hartford Financial Co., which acts as the fund manager.
      “We’re thrilled with the growth of the fund and want to stress to folks to save, save, save for their children’s college education,” Perdue said.
      To promote the announcement, the treasurer and Gov. Joe Manchin engaged in a friendly arcade-style basketball game. Perdue beat Manchin 39-21, using a throwback, underhanded style.
      Some legislators, media members and the public took part in the event.
      The top three finishers in the public category were Scott White of Elkview; Brianna Farley of Princeton; and her father, Danny Farley. Each received autographed basketballs from either the West Virginia University or Marshall University basketball teams.