Putting More Money Back in Your Pocket
Mike has returned more than $2.6 billion in missing money to Illinoisans, taken on powerful insurance companies to recover unpaid benefits, and made it easier for families to claim money they're owed.
PRIORITIES FOR
A More Affordable, Secure Future for Illinois Families
Illinois families are working harder than ever, but rising costs, stagnant wages, and an economy that increasingly favors the wealthy are making it harder to get ahead.
For too many people, buying a home feels out of reach, college means taking on decades of debt, and retiring with dignity is becoming a luxury instead of something every worker can count on.
It shouldn't be this hard to build a good life. And it doesn't have to be.
Here's how:
Helping Families Build a Secure Financial Future
Mike has lowered college savings fees, helped families save more than $26 billion for education, and helped over 170,000 Illinois workers save for retirement.
Investing in Illinois Jobs, Housing, and Communities
Mike has generated $1.5 billion in annual investment earnings for Illinois, launched new investments in affordable housing, and expanded financing opportunities for small businesses, family farms, and local communities.
a timeline of
Delivering for Illinois
Since taking office in 2015, Mike Frerichs has transformed the Illinois State Treasurer's Office into a resource for working families.
2015
Mike Frerichs Takes Office
Treasurer Frerichs begins serving as Illinois State Treasurer, overseeing the state's investments and financial programs. His administration subsequently modernizes I-CASH and expands savings opportunities for Illinois families.
2016
Taking on the Insurance Industry
Treasurer Frerichs works with lawmakers to reform unclaimed life insurance benefits after Treasury audits identify more than $550 million in unpaid benefits owed to grieving families from insurance companies.
2018
Expanding Retirement Security
Illinois Secure Choice launches, giving workers without employer-sponsored retirement plans a way to save for their futures. The program has since grown to more than 170,000 enrolled workers statewide.
2023
Treasurer Frerichs overhauled Illinois' Bright Start college savings program, lowering fees, expanding investment options, and earning national recognition. Today, Illinois' college savings programs help more than 900,000 students save over $26 billion for higher education and is ranked one of the best programs in the country.
2025
Generating Returns for Taxpayers
In 2025, the Treasurer’s Office earned a record $1.5 billion in investment returns, surpassing the combined earnings of all previous state treasurers.
2026
Record-Breaking Returns of Missing Money
I-CASH returns a record $307.8 million in fiscal year 2026, bringing the total returned since Frerichs took office to more than $2.6 billion.
2026
Investing in Affordable Housing
Treasurer Frerichs announces a $10 million investment partnership with IFF to support affordable housing development and nonprofit organizations.
2027
Expanding Investment Opportunities for Nonprofits
Looking ahead: a new law takes effect January 1, establishing a framework for a Non-Profit Investment Pool that will give eligible Illinois nonprofits access to additional investment options.