Investment Announcements

Read Illinois Treasurer investment announcements about new investments, partnerships and opportunities that support the state’s financial goals and economic growth.

Aerial view of Frerichs family farm

Investing in Farmers

I enjoy driving through downstate Illinois this time of year when farmers are planting in the fields. It means spring has arrived and reminds me of riding on my grandfather’s tractor as a kid. It gives me a sense of optimism. Farming is an annual gamble. A lot of time and money goes into putting a crop in the field. There could be a drought, or a flood, or tariffs could drive down the price of corn and soybeans, and farmers could lose money. It takes faith to keep farming…

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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

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 taking office, my priority has been to ensure Illinois families have access to the highest quality…

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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 interest earnings. President Trump’s pressure campaign on the Federal Reserve…

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

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown An estimated 153,000 Federal Workers in Illinois Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is committing $50 million to fund zero-interest and low-interest loans to unpaid federal workers during the government shutdown. The loans will be issued through participating banks and credit unions across Illinois, with money made available through the Treasurer’s linked-deposit program. An estimated 153,000 federal employees live and work in Illinois. It is uncertain how many are not receiving their salaries since Oct.…

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