2026

Illinois government offices building in Springfield Illinois

Treasurer Frerichs Wins Approval of Bill to Help Nonprofits Increase Investment Opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs thanked members of the General Assembly today for passing Senate Bill 2968 and expressed gratitude to Governor JB Pritzker’s office for its collaboration in advancing legislation that expands investment opportunities for non-profit organizations across Illinois. The legislation creates the Non-Profit Investment Pool, a safe and efficient investment option allowing eligible nonprofits to make the most of available funds while reducing administrative burdens. The measure is intended to help nonprofits strengthen their financial stability and maximize resources that support communities throughout the state. “Nonprofits…

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Child holding a blue piggy bank. In the background are logos for Bright Start 529 and Bright Directions 529

In Observance of National 529 Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Encourages Families to Save for Higher Education Costs

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is recognizing 529 Day today, May 29, by encouraging families to save for future education through Illinois’ highly rated Bright Start 529 or Bright Directions 529 college savings plans. Frerichs also announced new enhancements to the advisor-guided Bright Directions 529 plan. “While ‘529 Day’ is tied to the calendar date of May 29, the observance highlights the importance of planning ahead and making education more affordable for Illinois families. It’s always a good time to plan for the future by opening or adding…

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Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Honors Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Awardees

Video will be posted here : Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to highlight the achievements of community leaders during Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The event, which was held at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St., honored eight people for their contributions to their communities: a CEO, a strategy and innovation officer, a school principal, a leader of an education and advocacy group, a state lawmaker, a labor leader, a college men’s basketball player, and a music director. “We celebrate…

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Mila the dog in the snow

Our Family Feels a Little Smaller

Mila, our family dog, passed away six months ago. It came soon after I last wrote about her. I thought I would share this news sooner, but Mila’s passing has been more difficult than I imagined. I was in the first grade when my friend’s dog bit me on the leg. I had a fear of dogs for a very long time, and it would be fair to say that I was not a dog person. When I met Erica, her dating profile didn’t quite say “Must Love Dogs,” but…

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Helping Workers Save for a Dignified Retirement

A friend recently asked if I ever had a job I didn’t like, because I seem to like all of those I have written about. I’ve shared stories about walking beans and detasseling corn, bagging groceries and stocking shelves at the IGA in Rantoul, teaching English in Taiwan, and my time as Champaign County Auditor.  I learned something new at each one, and found some more fulfilling than others. Sometimes we work out of necessity. I needed to work a job as part of my financial aid package. I spent…

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