Treasurer Michael Frerichs

05/29/2026

Today is National 529 Day, the perfect time to start or grow a Bright Start 529 College Savings account. Research shows children are three times more likely to attend college when they know money has been set aside for their education. Opening an account sends a powerful message: “I believe in you and your future.”

529 accounts can be used for tuition, books, and other expenses at universities, community colleges, technical and vocational schools, and registered apprenticeship programs.

There are no enrollment fees, no minimum contributions, and no required minimum balances. Family and friends can contribute, too. Get started today at https://brightstart.com/

05/27/2026

Illinois is stronger because of the people who lead, serve, and inspire in communities across our state. During my office’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration, we honored remarkable leaders making an impact in business, education, labor, government, athletics, the arts, and community service.

Watch the video to hear what this month means to them and celebrate the voices shaping our state.

Our Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration hono...

05/26/2026

It’s graduation season, and students across Illinois are gearing up for the next phase of their lives. While some may attend college, it is not the only path. That’s why Bright Start 529 College Savings covers a variety of options, including universities, community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, and even graduate programs.

Take it from a fellow saver. Bright Start gives you confidence, flexibility, and control, so you can prepare for any path your child chooses. 5.29 Day is right around the corner—the perfect time to start saving. Get started at https://brightstart.com/.

05/25/2026

Today, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and remember the families who carry their legacy forward.

Through Operation Purple Heart, my office has returned 18 Purple Heart medals to families of fallen service members. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of hearing powerful stories of service and sacrifice.

But our work is not finished. This Memorial Day, please join us on our mission to reunite every Purple Heart medal in our vault with the families who deserve them. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4s3kZ6a

https://bit.ly/4dn125c

05/21/2026

Mila, our family dog, passed away about six months ago. I meant to share this news sooner, but losing her was harder than I expected.

When I was in first grade, I was bitten on the leg by a friend’s dog. That experience created a fear that followed me throughout much of my childhood. Before Mila, I definitely wasn’t a “dog person.”

But Mila changed that. She helped heal old wounds, challenged long-held beliefs, and brought more joy, warmth, and love into our family than I ever could have imagined. Our lives were fuller because she was part of them.

Sometimes growth comes from taking risks, breaking old habits, or opening ourselves to change, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Learn how Mila changed me in this week’s newsletter: https://bit.ly/49gdIIC

05/20/2026

Mourning the passing of Congressman Barney Frank. Today, we need more Barney Franks in government—individuals who uphold their Constitutional responsibilities, including checking the executive branch, and stand on the right side of financial reforms, transparency, and individual rights. Thank you, Barney Frank, for your dedication and service. May you rest in peace.

Barney Frank has died. The longtime Democratic congressman from Massachusetts was a leading liberal who brought new visibility to gay rights.

05/20/2026

This weekend, the Field Museum in Chicago opens its highly anticipated Pokémon Fossil Exhibit, and we're joining the excitement with a reveal of our own!

We're "unboxing" a shadowless Charizard card valued at approximately $400,000, and we’re hoping to reunite it with its rightful owner or their heir.

Could something valuable be waiting for you, too? Search for unclaimed property and see what’s yours at https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/

05/19/2026

Earlier this month, I attended the Illinois Police Officer Memorial to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty. These individuals dedicated their lives to protecting our communities, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

That’s why my office started the Fallen Heroes Scholarship program.

By offering a $5,000 Bright Start 529 scholarship to the children of fallen first responders, we hope to carry their legacy of bravery and service. Learn more about Fallen Heroes by visiting https://bit.ly/4nCfp9f

https://bit.ly/4uP7FD4

Earlier this month, I attended the Illinois Police Officer Memorial to honor the brave men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty. These individu...

05/15/2026

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, and my office was proud to celebrate by honoring eight extraordinary leaders whose work is making Illinois stronger everyday. From business and labor to education, public service, athletics and the arts, these individuals are leading their fields and demonstrating diversity is one of Illinois' greatest strengths. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

◾ Abin Kuriakose – Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer of World Business Chicago | Outstanding Service in Leadership

◾ Nancy Chen – President of Chinese American Women in Action | Outstanding Commitment to Community Service

◾ Lisa Deborah Oi – Principal at St. Therese Chinese Catholic School - Chicago | Outstanding Commitment to Education

◾ Dannie Li – Treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 1 | Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor

◾ John Yi – CEO and Co-Founder of NextMe | Outstanding Service in Business

◾ State Representative Sharon Chung – Representative, 91st District | Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official

◾ Kylan Boswell – Fighting Illini Men's Basketball | Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship

◾ Mei-Ann Chen – Music Director of Chicago Sinfonietta | Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities

Thank you for your leadership, service, and contributions to communities across Illinois!

05/14/2026

I'm joining my fellow state treasurers in demanding a transparent and fair tariff refund process for American consumers.

The tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration in April 2025—later ruled illegal by the US Supreme Court—have cost the average American household approximately $1,700. While a refund portal now exists for importers, families and consumers who ultimately absorbed those higher costs still have no direct path to relief.

Any refund process must account for the financial burden passed on to everyday Americans and provide meaningful relief to households impacted by these tariffs.

Learn more in Forbes: https://bit.ly/4umGdgb

The refund process “leaves state governments, businesses, and the public without the information needed to assess whether the process operates fairly,” the treasurers argue.