2021

SPRINGFIELD — A proposal to expand coverage of the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program (Secure Choice) to businesses with at least five employees goes to the Governor for his consideration after receiving bipartisan support in the General Assembly. Lowering the existing threshold to five employees from 25 in the Secure Choice Savings Program Act was the top priority in this year’s legislative agenda for Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. “This commonsense change to existing law helps workers save their own money for their retirement while reducing future pressures on…

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today reminded military families that the treasurer’s office holds more than 100 military medals and ribbons that were surrendered as unclaimed property. The medals, typically forgotten inside a bank safe deposit box or abandoned at a storage facility, were surrendered to the state treasurer’s office after there had been no contact with their owners for at least five years. “Memorial Day is a time to honor the sacrifices of our military members and their families,” Frerichs said. “These medals are a daily reminder…

SPRINGFIELD — In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today kicked off a virtual campaign to highlight and celebrate the achievements and positive impact Asian and Pacific Islanders have made in Illinois and around the world. This year’s national theme for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is “Advancing Leaders Through Purpose-Driven Service.” “We are grateful for these leaders who continue to give their time, share their talents, and use their voices to improve our communities,” Frerichs said. “This is an opportunity to say ‘thank…

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs encourages young photographers to submit photographs for the 2021 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest. The contest encourages young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in our state. “Let’s seek photographs to showcase why Illinois is a leader in the agricultural industry with its rich soil, diversity in products, and millions of acres of farmland,” Frerichs said. “We want to encourage students to grab their cameras, get out, and explore the beauty Illinois has to offer.” The treasurer’s office will accept electronic…

SPRINGFIELD — People with disabilities have saved more than $150 million using Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts through the National ABLE Alliance, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Frerichs says the milestone triggered a lower cost for families through a fee reduction of 2 basis points. The National ABLE Alliance, an 18-member, bi-partisan consortium, provides a high-quality, low- cost investment and savings program for people with disabilities that allows them to preserve their federal benefits while saving for expenses that come with living with a disability. With…