Treasurer Michael Frerichs

Illinois ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save and invest for qualified disability expenses without putting important federal benefits at risk. But what exactly counts as a “qualified disability expense?”
Swipe through for a breakdown of eligible expenses, and learn whether you or your loved one qualify for an ABLE account by visiting: https://illinoisable.com/

His bank may have famously hung up on Pope Leo last month, but no phone was needed today in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs presented Pope Leo with an I-Cash claim for $8.65, proceeds from an abandoned PayPal account the Pope left behind in Illinois. Treasurer Frerichs and wife Erica also brought a commemorative Lincoln coin, a Chicago history book, and two of her grandmother's rosaries to be blessed.

My twin boys like to visit many neighborhood parks: “Ropes Park,” “Sand Park,” and “Choo-Choo Park.” They don’t know the actual names or the history behind them. What matters to them are the features that make each one special.

Hearing my twins refer to their favorite parks made me realize something about my office’s retirement savings program. Its original name, Secure Choice, didn’t clearly communicate what the program actually does. So when we brought on a new program manager, we took the opportunity to make another change.

Today, the program is called My Illinois Savings, a name that better reflects its purpose: helping Illinois workers save for their future. Learn more about the new name and other improvements we’ve made in this week’s newsletter: https://bit.ly/43N1q7g

Time is running out! The deadline to enter our annual Cream of the Crop Photo Contest is June 12.

Students ages 8–18 are invited to capture their unique perspective on Illinois agriculture for a chance to win a Bright Start 529 scholarship. Winners in each age group (8–10, 11–14, and 15–18) will receive:

✅ $1,000 for first place
✅ $500 for second place
✅ $250 for third place

We want to see Illinois agriculture through your lens! Submit your photo and learn more at: https://bit.ly/4tUSVm1

Today is National 529 Day, the perfect time to start or grow a Bright Start 529 College Savings account. Research shows children are three times more likely to attend college when they know money has been set aside for their education. Opening an account sends a powerful message: “I believe in you and your future.”

529 accounts can be used for tuition, books, and other expenses at universities, community colleges, technical and vocational schools, and registered apprenticeship programs.

There are no enrollment fees, no minimum contributions, and no required minimum balances. Family and friends can contribute, too. Get started today at https://brightstart.com/

Illinois is stronger because of the people who lead, serve, and inspire in communities across our state. During my office’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration, we honored remarkable leaders making an impact in business, education, labor, government, athletics, the arts, and community service.

Watch the video to hear what this month means to them and celebrate the voices shaping our state.

Celebrating AAPI Trailblazers Our Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration hono...

Today, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and remember the families who carry their legacy forward.

Through Operation Purple Heart, my office has returned 18 Purple Heart medals to families of fallen service members. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of hearing powerful stories of service and sacrifice.

But our work is not finished. This Memorial Day, please join us on our mission to reunite every Purple Heart medal in our vault with the families who deserve them. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4s3kZ6a

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Mila, our family dog, passed away about six months ago. I meant to share this news sooner, but losing her was harder than I expected.

When I was in first grade, I was bitten on the leg by a friend’s dog. That experience created a fear that followed me throughout much of my childhood. Before Mila, I definitely wasn’t a “dog person.”

But Mila changed that. She helped heal old wounds, challenged long-held beliefs, and brought more joy, warmth, and love into our family than I ever could have imagined. Our lives were fuller because she was part of them.

Sometimes growth comes from taking risks, breaking old habits, or opening ourselves to change, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Learn how Mila changed me in this week’s newsletter: https://bit.ly/49gdIIC