Illinois State Treasurer’s Office News Releases

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

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 daughter: saving a friend. “No one leaves the battlefield without…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns WWII Purple Heart Medal Earned by Chicago Soldier
Treasurer Frerichs with the 8 recipients of awards in honor of Women's History Month 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 achievements and ongoing contributions of women leaders in Illinois. The…

Read MoreTreasurer Michael Frerichs Presents Awards to Eight Illinois Leaders in Honor of Women’s History Month
Treasurer Frerichs stands at a podium as four people, including one using a wheelchair, are beside him

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 age limit to before a person’s 46th birthday, meaning about…

Read MoreState Treasurer Frerichs Announces 250,000 More Illinoisans with Disabilities Eligible for ABLE Accounts
Treasurer Frerichs at a Rockford press conference on Charitable Trust grants

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 at a news conference in Rockford. “I’m proud to partner…

Read MoreTreasurer Michael Frerichs Unveils $200,000 in Grants to 10 Small Nonprofits Throughout Illinois
Treasurer Frerichs poses with the recipients of Black History Month awards for 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. The eight Downstate Illinois honorees included a Springfield dentist, the…

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