Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs was the keynote speaker Monday at the McDonough County Democratic Central Committee’s annual fundraiser, held at Spoon River College’s Outreach Center.
Nearly 150 residents attended the event, which also featured a representative from U.S. House candidate Eric Sorensen’s office. Jennifer Todd, a former Edwardsville nurse challenging 15th District Rep. Mary Miller, was also present.
Frerichs told the Community News Brief his speech focused on highlighting Illinois’ recent successes.
“We often hear about the problems, but there are many good things happening,” Frerichs said. “Our Bright Start college savings program went from the worst to the best, earning Morningstar’s top Gold rating five years in a row. Last year, we returned over $600,000 in unclaimed property checks, and in 2024, we earned $1.5 billion in interest.”
He added that Illinois has maintained a balanced budget for six years, paid off unpaid bills, and reversed years of credit rating downgrades.
“These achievements show what can happen when people work hard,” Frerichs said. “We’ve created programs that offer many a brighter future. There’s a lot to be proud of in Illinois.”
Asked about federal government actions affecting the state, Frerichs said Illinois is being targeted for standing up for its residents.
“It’s wrong to let politics interfere where it hasn’t before,” he said. “We must ask ourselves: Did we do what was right or what was politically motivated? We will not bend the knee or give in. We will do what’s right.”
Frerichs was first elected Illinois State Treasurer in 2014 and began his third term in January 2023. The Treasurer’s Office manages roughly $56 billion in state investments. Prior to that, Frerichs served as an Illinois State Senator representing east-central Illinois.
