Illinois State Treasurer’s Office News Releases

Treasurer Frerichs speaks alongside others about the relaunched Able UP program

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces Lower Fees for Able UP Accounts, Formerly Illinois ABLE

Archived video to be posted here : Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced lower fees, a new mobile app, updated investment options and improved online tools for Able UP accounts , the disability savings program formerly known as Illinois ABLE . Able UP is an ABLE savings account program for eligible people with disabilities and qualifying medical conditions. Although administered by the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, people nationwide can open an Able UP account; residency in Illinois is not required. “Every day, I am asked what I can…

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Treasurer Frerichs smiles as he speaks from a podium. Backdrop has the Bright Start logo

Treasurer Frerichs Clinches 8th Gold Rating For Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan

CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced that the Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has earned its eighth Gold rating from independent investment analyst Morningstar, once again placing Illinois’ direct-sold college savings plan among the best in the nation. Bright Start 529 is one of only nine Gold-rated 529 college savings plans in the country. “For the eighth time under my watch, Morningstar has recognized Bright Start 529 as one of the nation’s best college savings plans,” Frerichs said. “That independent recognition confirms what Illinois families deserve:…

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Head-and-shoulders portrait of Treasurer Frerichs in a blue suit, smiling with arms crossed, in front of the Illinois and United States flags.

Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Office Publishes Annual Report on Small Business Spending

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office increased its small business spending by 66 percent from Fiscal Year 2025 to Fiscal Year 2026, a new report states. During Fiscal Year 2026, the Treasurer’s Office spent a total of $2,235,433.77 on contracts and other purchases with small businesses, which represents nearly 10 percent of the Office’s overall contract and purchase spending of $24,151,375.88. For comparison, spending during Fiscal Year 2025 totaled $1,346,772.54. The information is included in the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office annual report on the Office’s utilization of small business vendors.…

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Treasurer Michael Frerichs smiling at the camera while seated at a desk with an orange and black decorative pumpkin. Above his left shoulder are two small skull decorations.

This Halloween, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Suggests Checking ICash for Treats

Video of Treasurer Frerichs available here: Ahead of Halloween, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is asking residents to check the ICash website to see if there’s missing money waiting for you to claim. “You might find enough money for a bag of candy, a really good Halloween costume or tickets to a haunted house. Maybe even enough to take your friends out to see a scary movie,” Frerichs said. “And speaking of scary movies, I checked the ICash database, and it looks like there’s money waiting for several people…

Read MoreThis Halloween, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Suggests Checking ICash for Treats
Eight people pose in front of a blue wall at Synapse House. Treasurer Frerichs is third from right.

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces Nearly $180,000 in Grants for Small Nonprofits in Illinois

Key Points: Video available from Illinois Department of Central Management Services. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced nearly $180,000 in Charitable Trust grants to 10 nonprofit organizations that help people in need by providing food and job training. The grants total $178,210. “These grants are important because they help nonprofits achieve their missions of serving others and strengthening communities,” Treasurer Frerichs said at a news conference at Synapse House, a Charitable Trust grant recipient in Downers Grove. “We recognize that people are struggling with increased inflation and higher living…

Read MoreTreasurer Michael Frerichs Announces Nearly $180,000 in Grants for Small Nonprofits in Illinois