2023

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has earned more than $2 billion in investment earnings from the state portfolio since taking office, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office announced today. That total includes a record $113 million in May investment earnings from the state portfolio. The office earned an additional $81.4 million in gross investment earnings in May for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of local government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool. Frerichs now has surged past the $1…

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Funds, a mutual fund investment used by local governments through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, has earned the top AAA rating from Fitch Ratings, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. The Illinois Funds rating reaffirms the confidence Fitch showed in the program during the last year. The Illinois Funds provides more than 1,500 units of local government a safe investment vehicle with competitive rates that are designed to complement, not compete with, local banking relationships. “This is an example of an outside firm pointing out…

SPRINGFIELD — State Treasurer Michael Frerichs reminds young Illinois photographers, ages 8 to 18, to submit their best work for the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest by the deadline of June 12. The students who earn first, second or third place in each of three age categories will receive up to $1,000 in scholarship prize money, Frerichs said. The contest is designed to encourage young people to share their vision of Illinois agriculture through photography. “Our Cream of the Crop Photo Contest offers a wonderful way for students…

SPRINGFIELD — Nine small Illinois nonprofits, including organizations in Chicago, central Illinois and the Metro East, are sharing $175,000 in grant funds through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program, which is managed by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office. The funds will help the nonprofits fulfill their missions to help people by providing food and housing, as well as workforce and economic development assistance. “Small nonprofit organizations play a vital role by assisting people in need,” Frerichs said. “Through the Charitable Trust program, I’m proud to support the work of these…

SPRINGFIELD — State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging young Illinois photographers to submit photos for the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest so they can be eligible to receive scholarship prize money. The contest, for students ages 8 to 18, offers an opportunity for young people to display their skills and imagination to highlight agriculture in our state. The Treasurer’s Office is accepting electronic submissions for the contest until the entry deadline of June 12. Bright Start scholarship funds will be awarded to the top winners in each of…