Illinois State Treasurer’s Office News Releases

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Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces New Grants to Address Hunger After Federal Cuts

Applications Accepted Through July 31 Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced a new grant program to help volunteer groups battling hunger and food insecurity in the wake of federal government cuts to critical food programs. Charitable Trust Hunger Relief Grants provide up to $5,000 to volunteer-driven food pantries, soup kitchens, and similar nonprofit organizations with no full-time employees. Frerichs launched the grant program after the Trump administration cut funding for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and a program that allowed Illinois farmers to sell their fresh food to…

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

Bipartisan support in both chambers and thoughtful input from the Governor’s Office helped make this legislation possible 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…

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

Saving Even a Little Today Can Help a Child Avoid Years of Student Debt Tomorrow 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…

Read MoreIn Observance of National 529 Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Encourages Families to Save for Higher Education Costs
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Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Honors Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Awardees

U of I Basketball Standout, Chicago Sinfonietta Music Director, World Business Chicago Exec, School Principal Among Those Recognized for Their Contributions 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…

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Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Relaunches State Retirement Program for Small Businesses with Lower Fees and New Name

Savers and Employers Encouraged to Claim Accounts in New Online Portal After June 15 VIDEO WILL BE POSTED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CENTRAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES WEBSITE HERE SPANISH-LANGUAGE PRESS RELEASE AVAILABLE ON THE TREASURER’S WEBSITE HERE CHICAGO, IL — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced lower fees and technology improvements for employers and savers of the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program, which will take effect in June 2026. “A decade ago, too many Illinois workers didn’t have an easy way to save for retirement at work, so we set…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Relaunches State Retirement Program for Small Businesses with Lower Fees and New Name