Treasurer Michael Frerichs
iltreasurer.bsky.social
Treasurer Michael Frerichs
@iltreasurer.bsky.social
Contrary to claims that foreign countries would foot the bill, tariffs are a tax on Americans. Research suggests 90% of the tax burden has been placed on US companies and consumers, evidenced by an 11% rise in import prices. Congress needs to end to this economic burden.

https://nyti.ms/4tH9BxN
Americans Are Paying the Bill for Tariffs, Despite Trump's Claims
Research from the New York Fed confirms that U.S. companies and consumers are bearing tariff costs, despite the president's assertions otherwise.
nyti.ms
February 17, 2026 at 9:46 PM
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. He will not be replaced, but his legacy, vision, and courage will inspire leaders for generations to come.
https://bit.ly/3ZJ0peB
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84
Jackson was a major contributor to the Civil Rights Movement and helped it accomplish many of its goals.
bit.ly
February 17, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Today, I joined fellow financial leaders from 14 states in calling on President Trump to scale back immigration enforcement actions that are disrupting commerce, destabilizing workforces, and undermining state revenues across key economic sectors.

https://nyti.ms/4thd99P
State Fiscal Chiefs Protest Federal Immigration Chaos
Sixteen elected treasury officials, all Democrats, wrote to President Trump to say ICE crackdowns are bad for business and tax revenues: “People must feel safe to go to work.”
nyti.ms
February 4, 2026 at 9:42 PM
Looking for a unique Valentine’s Day gift? Our online unclaimed property auction has got you covered. Read the story from @wcia3news.bsky.social to learn about the items available through February 1st.

https://bit.ly/3ZFac5a
Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant trading cards among Illinois Treasurer's Office auction items
ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- Vintage jewelry, rare coins and collectable basketball cards and comics are among the items up for grabs at the Illinois State Treasurer's ICash Auction this week. The...
www.wcia.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Snowy weather didn’t stop us! The Bright Start 529 College Savings team and I braved the snow on Sunday to host a $5.29 admission day at the Chicago Children’s Museum. It was a joy meeting families and sharing how a 529 account can help plan for a child’s future.

https://bit.ly/3Z0owoO
CCM partners with IL Treasurer for Bright Start 529
Families gathered at the Chicago Children's Museum to learn about the Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan, which encourages families to start saving for their children's education ear...
bit.ly
January 27, 2026 at 4:52 PM
My family and I had a great time attending the Illinois Men’s Basketball game on Saturday, where I presented a Bright Start scholarship at the diaper derby! It took those babies a while to get crawling, but we got a winner eventually. Congratulations, @illinimbb.bsky.social on your win!
January 21, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Illinois. Today, let us reflect on Dr. King's legacy and consider how can work to make his vision of justice, equality, and peace a reality.
January 19, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Last month, my office identified $100,000 in missing funds for food pantries across Illinois. These organizations are a lifeline for many Illinoisans, especially during last year’s federal government shutdown, and we are working to return every dollar owed to them.
January 9, 2026 at 8:51 PM
I started 2025 determined to exercise more and eat healthier. I was doing great—until the holidays came around. Fortunately, my professional resolutions held strong. Read this week's newsletter to learn how my office met its 2025 goals: https://bit.ly/49cwPnm
My Resolution to Keep Working for You
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Big news for the disability community: In January, ABLE account eligibility expands! The age of disability onset will increase to 46, allowing more people who acquire disabilities later in life to save for qualified expenses and build greater financial independence.

https://nyti.ms/4917afX
More Disabled People Can Open Special Savings Accounts. Do You Qualify?
Starting next year, people who became disabled by age 46 will be eligible for ABLE accounts. The accounts have been slow to catch on, partly because the current age limit is 26.
nyti.ms
December 16, 2025 at 5:14 PM
For Hispanic Heritage Month, my office honored Illinois leaders who make our state a better place. One such individual was Coach Jose Gonzalez, who just wrapped up another successful women’s soccer season at South Suburban College. Read his story in the Lansing Journal: https://bit.ly/3JGLope
Award-winning Coach Jose Gonzalez reflects on 'negative vibes,' community support, and family values - The Lansing Journal
Even in the midst of another successful soccer season, Jose Gonzalez has time to reflect.
bit.ly
November 13, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Illinois is home to about 153,000 federal workers who are not getting paid due to the government shutdown. At the Treasurer’s Office, we want to help and are working with banks and financial institutions to offer these workers zero-interest or low-interest loans during these difficult times.
November 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Trump is lying when he says sending the National Guard to Illinois is “free.” It could cost taxpayers more than $1.5 million every day—money that could instead strengthen our communities and support local needs.
October 28, 2025 at 6:19 PM
State Treasurers don’t typically play a role in infrastructure improvement, but the challenges are too great to ignore. Read the article from @newdealleaders.bsky.social to learn about the IL FIRST Fund and how its inspiring other states to follow our lead.

https://bit.ly/4o8RJc0
Illinois Blazes Its Own Trail on Housing, Infrastructure Funding
By Mike Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer
bit.ly
October 24, 2025 at 8:13 PM
I cannot imagine the pain, emptiness, and sense of loss weighing upon Darren and Cindy Bailey. No parent wants to outlive a child, much less a grandchild. Take a moment today to think about the Bailey family and to hug your own children and grandchildren.
https://abc7.ws/43qhc8k
Darren Bailey's son, daughter-in-law and 2 grandchildren killed in Montana helicopter accident
The son and daughter-in-law and two grandchildren of Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey were killed in a helicopter accident, his campaign said.
abc7chicago.com
October 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Trump is attacking unions by canceling contracts for hundreds of thousands of federal workers.
In this office, we don’t just watch from the sidelines. We use our role as shareholders to support workplace safety, fair wages, and the ability to organize.
October 21, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Thank you @wgnradio.bsky.social for having me on the Workers’ Mic! I had a great time chatting with Ken, Ed, and Phil about Bright Start 529 College Savings, I-CASH, and how my office recently returned $500,000 in missing money to local unions.

Listen to the full story: https://bit.ly/46woNTv
The Workers' Mic (09/21/25): The Workers' Mic talks with the Illinois State Treasurer
This week on The Workers' Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by chatting with the Illinois State Treasurer Michael...
wgnradio.com
September 23, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Gov. Edgar was a gentleman and a statesman who didn’t put partisanship above the state. Gov. Edgar worked to bring people together across the aisle to learn about policy and share good ideas. He bravely faced health challenges and did not stop serving Illinois once his time in office ended.
September 14, 2025 at 9:00 PM