SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Democratic state Sen. Michael Frerichs is making a bid for state treasurer, facing former House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego. Here’s background on Frerichs and his stance on the issues:
BIOGRAPHY
Name: Michael W. Frerichs
Age: 41
Background: Former Champaign County Auditor, state Senator since 2007
Faith: Lutheran
Favorite concert: The first Lollapalooza tour when it stopped in Tinley Park in 1991
Favorite dessert: Says he generally avoids them, “but chocolate-chip cookies are a weakness.”
Most admired Illinois governor: Jim Thompson
ISSUES
On merging the office of the treasurer and the comptroller: Frerichs says voters should decide the question, but the state should streamline operations in the meantime.
On changes to the state’s investments: Among the changes Frerichs proposes is a partnership with local lenders “to provide an alternative to predatory lenders and payday loan operations that can prey on military families.”
On running the treasurer’s office more efficiently: Frerichs says he plans to reprioritize efforts to help women and teens become more financially literate, invest in small businesses, and reduce fees for the state’s college savings programs.
