Illinois State Treasurer’s Office News Releases

Treasurer Michael Frerichs poses with the recipients of LGBTQ+ awards in 2025

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Honors Illinois LGBTQ+ Leaders

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration in Chicago to commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month. The event was an opportunity to reflect on the significant achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and their allies. Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the community, business, education, government, labor, sports, and arts and humanities. “Today, we honor the contributions of our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends,” Frerichs said at the celebration lunch in the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St. “We thank them for their ongoing dedication to justice…

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Treasurer Frerichs posing against a blue curtain and the U.S. flag with recipients of Hispanic Heritage Month awards in 2025

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Honors Hispanic Leaders in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the work of community leaders from across the state. The event was an opportunity to reflect on great achievements and present awards to eight Latino leaders: the president of Aurora University; the head soccer coach at South Suburban College; an entrepreneur who launched importing and candy businesses; the president and CEO of a community foundation; a business manager with a union local; the executive director of a family resource center; a state lawmaker; and…

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Old baseball cards of Hank Aaron and Brooks Robinson

Chicago Bears Collectible Pins, Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron Baseball Cards, Jewelry, Coins Up for Bid at Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Online ICash Auction

A set of 1989 Chicago Bears pins, baseball cards of Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron, collectibles from the U.S. bicentennial celebration, and a 14-karat yellow gold Omega women’s watch are just a few of the unclaimed property items being auctioned online from September 19 to September 28. “Our online auction is a great opportunity for everyone to explore and find distinctive items to keep or to give as gifts,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “If you’re a sports fan,…

Read MoreChicago Bears Collectible Pins, Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron Baseball Cards, Jewelry, Coins Up for Bid at Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ Online ICash Auction
Bright Start 529 College Savings logo showing a drawing of a piggy bank

Illinois Treasurer Frerichs Marks Bright Start’s 25th Anniversary with Record Growth during College Savings Month

As Bright Start 529 turns 25, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is announcing record asset growth to more than $14 billion for Illinois’s flagship 529 college savings plan. The news comes as the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office kicks off College Savings Month, which falls in September. Sponsored and launched by the State of Illinois in the year 2000, the Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan is designed for higher education savings. Treasurer Frerichs also sponsors Bright Directions, a 529 plan for families who prefer to work with a financial advisor.…

Read MoreIllinois Treasurer Frerichs Marks Bright Start’s 25th Anniversary with Record Growth during College Savings Month