By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – For this state treasurer, it’s about connecting Illinoisans with education.
“Educational attainment is the greatest predictor of employability,” said Mike Frerichs, at a news conference to commemorate 100 days in office. “Studies show that a person who knows they have a college savings account is six to seven times more likely to attend college or trade school.”
Frerichs says an audit – conducted by a firm which volunteered its services – showed not enough accountability in the unclaimed property program and not enough oversight of treasurer’s employees working from their homes.
And then there’s another problem.
“The office was named” in the sexual harassment suit against Frerichs’ predecessor, Dan Rutherford. Frerichs continued, “I’ve inherited this. We’re working with the attorney general’s office, trying to reach a resolution soon – we’re trying to – well, that’s probably all my attorney wants me to say about pending lawsuits, litigation.”
