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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.