After I wrote about the boys’ birthday, a few people asked me what their favorite toy was. It’s different every day, but without question their current favorite toy is the one their brother is playing with. And we often experience a meltdown when their brother does not relinquish it to them.

The toy could have been sitting at the bottom of the toy chest for months, out of sight and out of mind. But as soon as their brother has rediscovered it and starts to play with it, that toy is all they can think about.

It’s human nature to notice what others have, but I am convinced that comparison is the thief of joy. That quote, commonly attributed to our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, also comes with a bit of advice: Focus on your own path.

Twin toddlers sitting on a chair, each holding a book

Twin toddlers riding small bikes outside on a track and wearing helmets

I think Theo is looking to see if he would prefer to have Max’s book instead.

It helps when we have two identical toys with their names on them.

It’s not just a phenomenon among toddlers. I see adults coveting what their neighbors have. I hear people all the time comparing Illinois with other states.

It’s true that Illinois does not have mountains or an ocean. But we do have amazing state parks and one of the Great Lakes and many rivers.

Looking at what other states have might rob us of the joy that we have here, but I believe my office compares favorably with our peers. If you like to compare, I think you will like these points:

Learn More About Why I’m Proud of Illinois

Hoping for a Summer Bonus? Check ICash!

More Illinoisans are kicking off summer with a little extra money, thanks to ICash! In May alone, we returned $27.6 million to nearly 19,000 people.

Could your summer plans benefit from a little extra cash? Start your search now.

Search for Missing Money!

Lawmakers OK Non-Profit Investment Pool Plan

I testified in front of legislative committees earlier this year to explain and support our bill to help Illinois charities.

I am thankful to state lawmakers for recently approving my proposal to expand investment opportunities for nonprofit organizations across the state.

The Non-Profit Investment Pool will be a safe and efficient investment option, allowing eligible nonprofits to make the most of available funds while reducing administrative burdens.

Nonprofits are on the front lines every day, helping families, strengthening neighborhoods, and meeting critical needs in communities across Illinois. At a time when federal funding cuts are creating uncertainty for many organizations, Illinois is stepping up. Bipartisan support in both chambers, along with thoughtful input from the Governor’s Office, helped make this legislation possible.

The new pool is modeled after my office’s successful Illinois Funds program, a AAA-rated local government investment pool that manages more than $20 billion for approximately 1,500 cities, counties, and other units of local government. In FY25, Illinois Funds generated more than $1 billion in earnings for participating governments.

Every dollar earned through smart investing is another dollar that can support food, shelter, health care, education, legal aid, and other services that strengthen Illinois communities.

You can learn more about the measure here.

In Other News…

Illinois Treasurer’s Gift to Pope Leo? $8.65 of Pontiff’s Own Money (Capitol News Illinois)
Papa Leone e il Conto PayPal Dimenticato in America: Il Tesoriere dell’Illinois Gli Consegna 8,65 $ (Rai News, Italy)
León XIV Recibió Una Inesperada Suma de Dinero de Una Vieja Cuenta de PayPal (Yahoo! Noticias)
Small Food Assistance Nonprofits Eligible for New State Grant Program (KWQC-TV, Quad Cities)
Illinois State Treasurer Establishes New Grant Program to Combat Hunger (WCIA-TV, Champaign)