2026

Treasurer Frerichs marches down a street at the Illinois State Fairgrounds during the twilight parade as crowds line the street.

A Few of My Favorite Fair Memories

As a kid, I always looked forward to the Champaign County Fair in late July. I loved the rides: the bumper cars, the tilt-a-whirl, and the potato sack slide. I loved the food: the corn dogs, the elephant ears, and all things fried. I loved the grandstand shows: the tractor pulls where my family would sometimes compete, the motorcycle races, and the demolition derby. And I also loved the games where you could win a prize: the ring toss, shooting baskets, and knocking down milk bottles with a baseball. I…

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Green corn leaves in a field with an overcast sky above. Photo is titled Corn Rows.

Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces Winners of 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest

Students Earn Bright Start Scholarships, and Their Photos Will be Displayed at Illinois State Fair Key Points: State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced the winning photographers for the 2026 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest, which provides Illinois students with a creative opportunity to share their vision of agriculture in our state. The top nine photographers, ages 8 to 18, will be awarded Bright Start 529 college savings scholarships. “Congratulations to the young Illinoisans who explored their surroundings, tapped into their creativity, and experimented with their photographic skills by participating…

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Creating Jobs, Driving Innovation. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. Compilation of images from businesses.

Growing a Business Is a Bit Like Raising Kids

For people who know I have twins, a common question I get asked is: “Are the twins letting you sleep at night?” Max and Theo have been good sleepers for some time now. They let Erica and me get a good night’s sleep most nights. What they don’t let us do is rest any minute they are awake. These boys have a lot of energy. They are always moving but don’t yet understand the risks associated with many of their actions. There is an awful lot of following them around…

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Treasurer Frerichs stands with a man and a woman, all holding a giant check for $20,040

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns Record $308 Million to People, Businesses, Nonprofits in Fiscal Year 2026

Pair of $1 Million+ Returns Start Off New Fiscal Year Strong Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a record $307.8 million in missing money to more than 567,000 residents, businesses and organizations through the ICash program during Fiscal Year 2026. “Our changes to ICash allowed us to return more money to more people,” Frerichs said. “We are proud to set records, but we’re even more proud of helping folks. Reuniting people with money that rightfully belongs to them is even more important as inflation and decisions made by the Trump…

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Exterior of Illinois State Capitol against a blue sky

Treasurer Frerichs Bill to Help Nonprofits Increase Investment Opportunities Is Now Law

Bipartisan support in House & Senate, Governor’s input and signature helped make this legislation possible SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ measure to expand investment opportunities for non-profit organizations across the state is now law after Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed the bill. Senate Bill 2968 creates the Non-Profit Investment Pool, a safe and efficient investment option allowing eligible nonprofits to make the most of available funds while reducing administrative burdens. The law is intended to help nonprofits strengthen their financial stability and maximize resources that support communities throughout…

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