Illinois State Treasurer’s Office News Releases

CHICAGO — Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois’ Bright Directions College Savings Program is among the best in the nation, according to Morningstar. Morningstar, which evaluates and rates college savings plans, released its results Tuesday, rating Bright Directions a “Silver-Rated Fund”. According to Morningstar, Bright Directions is now one of the two highest-rated advisor-sold plans in the country. “We are always looking for ways to provide investors with the highest quality investment options for the best value,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “We are grateful to see Morningstar’s improved rating…

New Contract Eliminates Set-Up and Maintenance Fees Total Savings Nears $3.6 Million SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today a newly negotiated contract that eliminates set-up and maintenance fees for families saving for college through Illinois’ Bright Directions 529 plan. Investors would have saved nearly $3.6 million had the deal been in place last year. Frerichs was sworn in as Treasurer in January. “A college education opens doors that otherwise would remain locked. That is why we must do everything possible to make higher education affordable for Illinois families,”…

**MEDIA ADVISORY** MACOMB — Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs will visit the campus of Western Illinois University to meet with students, university and college officials and urge Governor Bruce Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly to approve the Monetary Award Program (MAP grants) for the hundreds of thousands of students that rely on it to pay for their higher education. A news conference will be held on Monday, September 14 at 2:30 p.m. at Western Illinois University, University Services Building, 320 W. University Dr., Macomb, IL 61455. WHO: Michael Frerichs, Illinois…