2024

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office increased its small business spending by more than 67 percent from Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024, a new report states. During Fiscal Year 2024, the Treasurer’s Office spent a total of $978,370.74 on contracts and other purchases with small businesses, which represents approximately 5 percent of the Office’s overall contract and purchase spending of $20,486,260.99. For comparison, spending during Fiscal Year 2023 totaled $585,221.91. The information is included in the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office annual report on the Office’s utilization of small…

Illinois lauded for its strong advocacy and for successfully decreasing fees CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has again earned top rankings from Morningstar, keeping the plan among the best in the nation. “Being recognized as a strong advocate for Illinois families is an honor,” said Treasurer Frerichs, who serves as the Trustee and Administrator of Bright Start 529 College Savings. “Every day we work diligently to keep fees low, provide a high-quality range of investment options , and…

$91.7 million earned for cities, school districts through Illinois Funds The State Treasurer’s Office made more than $130 million in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in September , Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing revenue in the state investment portfolio. During 2024, Frerichs’ Office has earned nearly $1.19 billion for the state portfolio. “We have made common-sense reforms to increase how much we earn in investment returns for our state,” Frerichs said. “Every…

Families Can Decorate Piggy Bank As Part of Bright Start College Savings Promotion CHICAGO ( October 23, 2024) — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and Chicago Children’s Museum are excited to announce an upcoming reduced-price admission day, sponsored by Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan. On Sunday, November 3, families are invited to visit the museum for $5.29 for a day of exploration, creativit y and education. The event underscores the shared commitment Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) and Treasurer Frerichs have to bring opportunities of learning and discovery to Illinois…

$13.2 Million Returned Through Enhanced Money Match News conference video will be posted here: Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging nearly 140,000 residents to cash the unclaimed property checks that are arriving in the mail. The checks went out as part of the latest round of the Enhanced Money Match program, which allows the Treasurer’s Office to automatically return missing money to people without the need to file a claim. The office leverages data the state already collects and crossmatches it with the State Treas urer’s unclaimed property…