2018

SPRINGFIELD — “The Supreme Court turned its back on common sense today,” Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said in response to the court’s 5-4 decision in Janus vs. AFSCME. “Individuals who receive a service should pay for that service. The court ignored this basic concept to craft a legal argument for the sole purpose of undermining unions in the public sector,” Frerichs said. “The fair share solution protected the rights of everyone. Workers who did not want to become a member of the union only paid for the services they…

DEKALB — DeKalb County Community Gardens is among 20 non-profit organizations to share more than $400,000 as recipients of the Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. The fund assists small non-profits with annual budgets of $1 million or less. Money comes from filing fees non-profits pay when incorporating in the state of Illinois, not personal or property tax dollars. Although authorized in 2007, no grant money had ever been issued until Frerichs revitalized the program in 2017. In 2011, the legislature transferred the authority to…

Chatham Resident Hayden Schumer Wins Public Vote to Design Illinois’ Bicentennial Medallion SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced Hayden Schumer of Chatham, Il., as the winner of the Bicentennial Coin Contest. The design was one of five finalists voted on by the public. The winning design will be minted in silver on one side of the coin and distributed to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial. The back of the coin will feature the state seal. “Congratulations to Hayden Schumer on winning the bicentennial coin contest,” Frerichs said. “Thanks…

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today called on Governor Bruce Rauner to sign House Bill 4922 into law to put a stop to companies that issue rebate cards that charge dormancy or inactivity fees and avoid unclaimed property laws. “We must stop the big banks that are deceiving consumers,” Frerichs said. “These same companies are using legal loopholes to avoid the protections of unclaimed property laws.” House Bill 4922 recently passed the Illinois House and Senate with bipartisan support. The legislation amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business…

Voting Period Open June 1 – June 15 SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the public voting period for the Bicentennial Coin Contest encouraging individuals to vote for their favorite of five final designs. The winning design will be minted on one side of the coin and distributed to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial. The back of the coin will feature the state seal. “We invite the public to participate in Illinois’ bicentennial celebration by voting for their favorite commemorative coin design,” Frerichs said. The treasurer’s office is…