2023

CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today launched the breakthrough FIRST Fund investment portfolio to jump-start local construction projects, foster economic development, and create good-paying jobs while generating investment returns for state taxpayers. Joined Wednesday by Illinois labor leaders leading into Labor Day, Frerichs announced a $75 million investment in the Ullico Infrastructure Fund, a $4.5 billion effort that supports projects in the power, utilities, energy, transportation and digital sectors. Ullico provides insurance and investment solutions for labor organizations, union employers, institutional investors and union members. For every $1…

SPRINGFIELD — More than 66,000 people are in line to receive up to $5,000 from the state’s Unclaimed Property program and all they have to do is open their mailbox, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. Frerichs proposed and worked with the General Assembly to create the enhancements to the Money Match program to make it easier to automatically return money to individuals without the need to file a claim. In doing so, lawmakers also agreed to raise the automatic payment cap to $5,000. Enhanced Money Match is the…

SPRINGFIELD — The State Treasurer’s Office made a record $121.6 million in investment earnings from the state investment portfolio in July, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Another $88.7 million in gross investment earnings was earned for cities, villages, school districts, counties and other units of government that take part in the highly rated Illinois Funds local government investment pool operated by the State Treasurer’s Office. “The State Treasurer’s Office is an economic engine for Illinois,” Frerichs said. “Every dollar we make through smart, safe investing is a dollar…

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the winners of the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which provides an opportunity for young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students who won first, second or third place in each age category will be awarded Bright Start scholarships. “Thank you to all the young photographers who shared their talents by participating in this year’s contest. We’re impressed with everyone’s creativity in capturing the beauty of Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said. “Congratulations to the winners, who…

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returned more than $11.5 million in unclaimed property during July, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. The total includes nearly $11.5 million in cash and interest and almost $45,000 in stock value. All told, 12,554 claims were paid. “My office helps the Illinois economy by putting money back in people’s pockets,” Frerichs said. “I have taken numerous steps to make the system of reuniting people with their unclaimed property more efficient.” Illinois’ unclaimed property program — also known as I-CASH — is one…