Treasurer Michael Frerichs

07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day, Illinois! Between parades, barbecues, and fireworks, let’s all take a moment to reflect on our freedoms and the sacrifices made to protect them. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful 4th of July!

07/02/2025

I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the National Association of Letter Carriers in Springfield last week. Rain or shine, our letter carriers show up, ensuring the mail is delivered safely, efficiently and on time. The U.S. Postal Service is one of the great hallmarks of our country, and I stand by the workers who protect its integrity, especially as some in Washington push to see it privatized.

07/02/2025

The Fourth of July was always a lot of fun growing up, but I don’t recall thinking much about the sacrifices people made for this country. Ironically, it took living outside the US for me to truly understand our freedoms and the cost of preserving them.

I was recently reminded of this feeling while returning a Purple Heart medal to the grandson of a World War II veteran. Watch the video and read this week’s newsletter to get the full story: https://bit.ly/401W8Dv

Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the grandson of a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Private First-...

06/30/2025

My team and I had a great time at the 2025 Dragon Boat Race for Literacy! The last (and only) time I participated in a dragon boat race was 29 years ago. While my paddling skills may have been a bit rusty, the learning curve was all part of the fun. It was a fantastic day of teamwork, fun, and community spirit on the water. Thank you to the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce for hosting this event and supporting a great cause!

06/28/2025

The rumors are true. Pope Leo XIV has unclaimed property. $8.65 to be exact, enough to buy a hot dog at a White Sox game.

If the Pope has missing money, you might have some too. Check for yourself by visiting the I-CASH database: https://bit.ly/4aSzrEG

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4epjGbx

An estimated one in four Illinoisans have unclaimed property held by the state treasurer's office. Among those unknowingly blessed, it turns out? The man now known as Pope Leo XIV.

06/27/2025

I-CASH isn’t just for individuals. Businesses, non-profits, and even municipalities can have missing money, too. I recently met with Listen Ventures and brought a claim form for $9,750. See if you or your business has any missing money by visiting https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/.

06/26/2025

The ABLE team met with Bradley at the Abilities Expo, who uses his Illinois ABLE account to pay for college expenses and his service dog, Ruby! ABLE accounts can help eligible individuals with disabilities save for a variety of qualified expenses—from assistive technology to adaptive dance lessons—while maintaining federal benefits. Listen to Bradley’s story and how ABLE is helping him build a better quality of life.

Bradley uses his IL ABLE Account to pay for Ruby, his service dog, along with college expenses and more. Bradley and thousands of other people explored hundr...

06/25/2025

Last week, I had the honor of speaking with the young women at Illini Girls State. The program, run by the American Legion Auxiliary, teaches the importance of voting, democracy, and community involvement—empowering the next generation of women leaders.

I participated in the Boys State program in 1990 where I met then-Governor Jim Thompson. A career in government wasn’t on my radar, but shaking hands with “Big Jim” opened my eyes to new possibilities.

Now more than ever, young people need a sense of optimism and confidence. If someone believed in you as a kid, consider paying it forward to a young person in your life today.

06/25/2025

Throughout the summer, my Civic Engagement team attends county fairs, town festivals, and block parties to help reunite people with their missing money. Searching the I-CASH database may not be as exciting as carnival games, but your chances of going home with a prize are much better. Read this week’s newsletter to learn how we’re looking to set another I-CASH record: https://mailchi.mp/illinoistreasurer.gov/besting-our-i-cash-records-and-favorite-fair-foods-inside-5619418

06/24/2025

Congratulations to the Northfield Township Food Pantry on your new facility! Thanks to the generosity of donors, this vital community resource has expanded its operations with increased storage, easier access, and a broader food selection. It was an honor to attend the grand opening and see Illinoisans come together to help those in need.

06/24/2025

Nearly 47,000 American soldiers were wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. Among them was Private First-Class Edward Gorski Jr., who earned a Purple Heart for his bravery. After returning home, he built a life and raised a family, and the medal was quietly tucked away in a forgotten safety deposit box.

Recently, I had the honor of returning Gorski’s Purple Heart to his grandson Shawn, a veteran himself, at the American Legion in Geneva. Thank you to everyone who has helped us return these medals to their rightful families.

Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the grandson of a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Private First-...

06/19/2025

IL ABLE Accounts can help people with disabilities pay for a wide range of qualified products and services—including many on display this weekend at Chicago’s Abilities Expo! Stop by the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center to check out the vendors and meet with our IL ABLE team at booth 916. We’ll also be available to answer your questions at our 11:15 AM Your ABLE Life presentation on June 21.