2017

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today returned a Purple Heart Medal to Bertha Richard, niece of late Vietnam Veteran, Private First Class Andrew Gust Richard, at a ceremony at the Illinois State Capitol. The Purple Heart is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Frerichs also returned a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, and a Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon earned by PFC Richard for his service. The items were discovered in a safe…

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs encourages Illinois residents to check the office’s unclaimed property database, I-Cash, for a little extra spending money this holiday season. The unclaimed property division has paid claims valued at more than $160 million this year, with its largest claim valued at just over $1.3 million. “The holiday season is the perfect opportunity for individuals to check the I-Cash website for any unclaimed cash or property,” said Frerichs. “For most people, it is difficult to believe that they might have overlooked an investment account…

In an open letter released this week, nine state and local treasurers, comptrollers and controllers from across the country warned of the devastating economic consequences that would result should Congress fail to pass a Dream Act and allow Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders living legally in the U.S. to be deported. The letter calls on Congress and the Trump administration to do two main things: pass a no strings attached Dream Act, and issue extensions for TPS recipients from Honduras and El Salvador. The elected officials, responsible for the financial…

CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today condemned Congressional Republicans for quietly inserting language into tax reform legislation that would allow a fetus to receive a social security number, a long-time goal of anti-choice advocates who believe such an action can help overturn Roe v. Wade. Frerichs also called upon Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to lobby Illinois’ Congressional delegation to eliminate this attempt to grant personhood to a fetus under the crass disguise that it makes it easier for families to save for college. Rauner has said that he…

SPRINGFIELD — Jewelry, gemstones, baseball cards, collectible coins and paper money are among the nearly 450 items worth approximately $66,000 to be auctioned online starting on November 27, known to holiday shoppers as “Cyber Monday,” and ending on December 1. “This is a perfect opportunity to find something rare and unique for that special someone without leaving the comfort of your home,” Frerichs said. “If you want a glimpse of the hundreds of Items include an autographed Ryan Sandberg baseball card, a Frank Thomas 22K gold baseball card with certificate…