Illinois State Treasurer’s Office News Releases

A field of yellow-green wheat, with trees and the sky taking up part of the frame

March 24, 2026

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Opens 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest for Young Illinois Residents

Top Winners Will Receive $1,000 Bright Start College Savings Scholarships Key Points: Young people ages 8 to 18 are eligible for the photo contest, which focuses on Illinois agriculture. First-, second-, and third-place winners in each of three age categories will receive Bright Start scholarships of up to $1,000. Entry deadline is June 12, 2026. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is calling on young Illinois photographers to submit their agriculture-related photos for the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest.…

Treasurer Frerichs returns a Purple Heart medal to the daughter of a World War II veteran

March 13, 2026

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns WWII Purple Heart Medal Earned by Chicago Soldier

Family Says the Late Russell Reilly Loved St. Patrick’s Day VIDEO, SOUND BITES, B-ROLL FOR MEDIA USE AVAILABLE HERE Ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is announcing the return of a missing Purple Heart medal to the family of a World War II veteran who loved to celebrate his Irish heritage every March 17. Little is known about how Russell J. Reilly lost his right leg in combat other than the simple, short explanation he offered his…

Treasurer Frerichs with the 8 recipients of awards in honor of Women's History Month 2026

March 12, 2026

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Presents Awards to Eight Illinois Leaders in Honor of Women’s History Month

Grammy-Nominated Violinist, CEOs of Feeding America and Northern Illinois Food Bank, Retired Illinois State Superintendent of Education, and Special Olympics Athlete Among Those Who Are Recognized for Their Contributions Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Women’s History Month and pay tribute to the enduring impact of women in shaping history and benefiting society. The event, held in the Illinois Room at 555 W. Monroe St. in Chicago, was an opportunity to reflect on the great…

Treasurer Frerichs stands at a podium as four people, including one using a wheelchair, are beside him

March 9, 2026

State Treasurer Frerichs Announces 250,000 More Illinoisans with Disabilities Eligible for ABLE Accounts

Change in Law Increases Age from 26 to 46 Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced that an estimated 250,000 Illinoisans with a disability are now eligible to open ABLE accounts that allow them to save and invest money to improve the quality of life without risking federal benefits. The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which Congress passed in 2014, required that people had to have acquired their disability before their 26th birthday. A change in the law, effective this year, raised the…

Treasurer Frerichs at a Rockford press conference on Charitable Trust grants

February 26, 2026

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Unveils $200,000 in Grants to 10 Small Nonprofits Throughout Illinois

Help on the Way to Chicago, Champaign, Metro East, Rockford, Kankakee, Mount Vernon, Oak Park, Lombard, Freeport Key Points: Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today unveiled nearly $200,000 in Charitable Trust grants to 10 small nonprofits that help people stay in their homes and get job training. “We are helping people who need a helping hand at a time when so many folks are struggling due to higher costs and as our federal government yanks away lifelines,” Treasurer Frerichs said…

Treasurer Frerichs poses with the recipients of Black History Month awards for 2026

February 25, 2026

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Presents Awards to Downstate Leaders in Honor of Black History Month

Springfield Lanphier High School Girls Basketball Coach, Award-Winning Children’s Book Author from O’Fallon, President of NAACP Peoria, Carbondale Mayor, Among Those Who Are Recognized for Their Contributions SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community. The event, held at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in the Marine Bank Building in downtown Springfield, was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders.…

Illinois State Flag featured next to a white Spanish Colonial Revival style building

February 5, 2026

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Makes $1.5 Billion in Investment Earnings for State Portfolio During 2025

Another $882 million for cities and school districts through Illinois Funds The State Treasurer’s Office made $1.5 billion in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio during 2025, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Treasurer Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. He is responsible for investing state revenue in the state investment portfolio. “We are trying to maximize earnings for our state at a time when President Trump is illegally yanking away federal money from Illinois to…

Treasurer Frerichs poses with recipients of Black History Month Awards and with Jesse white

February 4, 2026

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Presents Awards to Chicago Leaders in Honor of Black History Month

MacArthur “Genius Grant” Recipient Tonika Lewis Johnson, Illinois Economic Development CEO Christy George, Chicago Hope Football Coach Christopher Mallette Among Those Honored CHICAGO – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community. The event, held in the Illinois Room at 555 W. Monroe St., was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders. The eight Chicago-area honorees included a MacArthur “genius grant” recipient…

Treasurer Frerichs gives giant ICash checks to about 5 people

January 29, 2026

Illinois Treasurer Frerichs Reminds People to Check for Missing Money During National Unclaimed Property Day

Visit the ICash Website Feb. 1; Find Out If Money Is Waiting for You National Unclaimed Property Day is this weekend, and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to visit the ICash missing money website to see if they have money or other unclaimed property waiting for them. “This Sunday, February 1, is National Unclaimed Property Day, and I hope people will celebrate by checking our ICash website to see if they or any loved ones have missing…

Several comic books, including Flash and Wonder Woman

January 26, 2026

Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Troy Aikman Trading Cards, 100-Ounce Silver Bar, and More Available at Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Online Auction

Surprise Your Valentine Next Month with a One-of-a-Kind Gift from the Online Auction January 23-February 1 Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Patrick Ewing, collectible basketball cards, and comics featuring Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Spawn are just some of the notable items available at the online ICash auction January 23-February 1. “Valentine’s Day may never be the same,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “Whether your valentine collects coins, comics,…