Illinois State Treasurer’s Office News Releases

Treasurer Frerichs gives giant ICash checks to about 5 people

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…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Frerichs Reminds People to Check for Missing Money During National Unclaimed Property Day
Several comic books, including Flash and Wonder Woman

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,…

Read MoreMichael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Troy Aikman Trading Cards, 100-Ounce Silver Bar, and More Available at Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Online Auction
Chicago skyline with Lake Michigan

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Chicago Children’s Museum to Host $5.29 Family Day Sunday, January 25

Families Can Decorate and Take Home Piggy Banks as Part of Bright Start 529 Promotion CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and the Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) are once again partnering to host a $5.29 Family Day on Sunday, January 25. As part of the special event sponsored by Bright Start 529 College Savings, general admission to the museum will be discounted to $5.29 per person. Tickets are now available through the museum’s website and are expected to sell…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Chicago Children’s Museum to Host $5.29 Family Day Sunday, January 25
Treasurer Frerichs speaks as others stand near him at a food pantry

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns $100,000 in Missing Money to Illinois Food Pantries

Bolingbrook Nonprofit That Twice Saw Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters off Donation Trucks Receives $5,500 Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is returning $100,000 in missing money to food pantries throughout the state. Each December, Frerichs’ office focuses on returning money through the ICash program to nonprofit groups that help people in need. This year, Frerichs decided to help food pantries that saw resources stretched and demand spike when the federal government shutdown stopped food assistance to many Illinois families in November. “Food…

Read MoreState Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns $100,000 in Missing Money to Illinois Food Pantries
Treasurer Frerichs speaking at a podium with a Bright Start backdrop and a woman and man behind him

Treasurer Frerichs Encourages the Gift of Education This Holiday Season

College Savings Phone App Offers an Easy Way to Give to a Loved One’s Bright Start 529 Account Struggling to find the right holiday gift for a child? Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has one. Invest in a young person’s future by contributing to their Bright Start 529 college savings account. “Every time you make a Bright Start contribution, that kid sees that you believe in them. That’s a powerful message to hear from a loved one – you know…

Read MoreTreasurer Frerichs Encourages the Gift of Education This Holiday Season
Mickey Mouse watch and other jewelry, including a pocket watch and necklaces for auction

Need Holiday Gift Ideas? Treasurer Michael Frerichs Offers Some Options with Online ICash Auction

Bid on Mickey Mouse Watch, Gold Diamond Pendant, Pennies from Nov. 21-30 As the holiday season approaches, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to find unique and memorable gifts, including a vintage Mickey Mouse wristwatch and a 14-karat yellow gold pendant with a small diamond, during an online ICash auction November 21-30. “Our online auction is a wonderful opportunity to discover rare and memorable finds, either for yourself or for that special someone who will appreciate them as gifts,”…

Read MoreNeed Holiday Gift Ideas? Treasurer Michael Frerichs Offers Some Options with Online ICash Auction
Treasurer Frerichs smiles as he speaks from a podium. Backdrop has the Bright Start logo

Treasurer Frerichs Clinches 7th Gold Rating for Bright Start College Savings Plan

Bright Directions Receives Sole Morningstar Upgrade Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has earned its 7th Gold rating from independent analyst Morningstar, firmly placing the plan among the best in the nation. “To be touted as one of the nation’s best by Morningstar for the seventh time under my watch confirms from an independent source that Illinois’ 529 College Savings plans are a great investment for Illinois families,” Frerichs said. “Since…

Read MoreTreasurer Frerichs Clinches 7th Gold Rating for Bright Start College Savings Plan
A group of people watch as Treasurer Frerichs presents a Purple Heart to Patty Knies, whose late uncle earned it

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns WW II Purple Heart Medal to Family of Late Veteran at Ceremony in Oak Lawn Ahead of Veterans Day

Operation Purple Heart Finds 17th Family Whose Military Honors Were Missing for Years OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS – On the day before Veterans Day, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the niece of a World War II veteran who was injured while fighting in France and Germany. Frerichs reunited Army Rifleman James R. Bennett’s medal with niece, Patti Knies, during a ceremony at VFW Post 5220 in Oak Lawn. It is the 17th lost medal…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns WW II Purple Heart Medal to Family of Late Veteran at Ceremony in Oak Lawn Ahead of Veterans Day
Illinois government offices building in Springfield Illinois

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Statement on the $1.5 Billion Transit Package Approved by the Illinois General Assembly

Before they adjourned for the year, Illinois state lawmakers approved a $1.5 billion funding package to reform and rebuild public transit. Part of the plan is to earmark money that the Illinois Treasurer’s Office earns from investing revenues from the Road Fund and another transportation-related fund. I appreciate the Governor and General Assembly coming together to address mass transit needs, as well as their confidence in me. But it is unlikely we can continue to generate $200 million in annual…

Read MoreTreasurer Michael Frerichs Statement on the $1.5 Billion Transit Package Approved by the Illinois General Assembly
Treasurer Michael Frerichs smiling against a backdrop of Chicago

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

Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Office Publishes Annual Report on Small Business Spending Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ office increased its small business spending by more than 37 percent from Fiscal Year 2024 to Fiscal Year 2025, a new report states. During Fiscal Year 2025, the Treasurer’s Office spent a total of $1,346,772.54 on contracts and other purchases with small businesses, which represents more than 5 percent of the Office’s overall contract and purchase spending of $24,386,667.87. For comparison, spending during Fiscal…

Read MoreTreasurer Michael Frerichs’ Office Publishes Annual Report on Small Business Spending