Helping People Retire with Dignity

Helping Workers Save for a Dignified Retirement

A friend recently asked if I ever had a job I didn’t like, because I seem to like all of those I have written about.  

I’ve shared stories about walking beans and detasseling corn, bagging groceries and stocking shelves at the IGA in Rantoul, teaching English in Taiwan, and my time as Champaign County Auditor. 

I learned something new at each one, and found some more fulfilling than others.  

A couple of workers and an employer showed up to my press conference to talk about how My Illinois Savings is helping them. Click above to watch.    

Sometimes we work out of necessity. I needed to work a job as part of my financial aid package. I spent four years of college working at the school gym. I chose that one because it didn’t conflict with my classes or practices, and I could study between handing out towels.  

The job was pretty simple. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., I sat in a kiosk. People paid for towel service because they didn’t want to drag a wet towel home after their workout. They would hand me their ID, and I would hand them a towel. Then I would go back to studying. At the end of my shift, I would help lock up and usually go to the library to finish homework.

This job helped me to pay my portion of tuition. There wasn’t much chit-chat — most people were in a hurry to get their workout in or go home. You have probably held a similar job that served others and, in doing so, made their lives easier or more enjoyable. We work those jobs because we need the money to pay for school, to keep a roof over our families’ heads, and to put food on the table. We don’t live to work; we work to live. And at some point, people would like to be able to stop working and enjoy their retirement.  

At the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, we want to use our power to help workers. It’s why we launched the Illinois Secure Choice retirement program in 2018, and we’re happy to announce we are relaunching it with lower fees and other improvements.

Pullman Neighborhood’s Legacy Still Resonates

Illinois has a rich and vibrant history — and the people, ideas, and movements that have emerged from our state have left a lasting impact on the world.

One powerful example is the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. This historic planned community played a pivotal role in both the labor and civil rights movements, leaving a legacy that still resonates today.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Pullman with the Amalgamated Transit Union and see that history firsthand. Watch the video to learn more about this historic national park.

Supporting the Children of Fallen Heroes

It was an honor to speak last week at the annual Illinois State Capitol ceremony honoring fallen police officers.      

Those who serve our country in the military, or our communities as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, routinely make sacrifices. Sometimes, they make the ultimate sacrifice.

When that happens, we want to help with a $5,000 Bright Start scholarship to children of first responders who died in the line of duty.

If you know someone who would qualify for one of these Fallen Heroes scholarships, please reach out to them, or let us know. I believe it is important to support the children of those who gave everything for us.

Photo Contest Deadline is June 12

Now is a great time for young Illinois photographers to showcase the beauty of agriculture by participating in our Cream of the Crop photo contest. Top winners in each of the three age groups will be awarded Bright Start college savings scholarships of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third.

Illinois residents ages 8 to 18 may enter the contest. The submission deadline is June 12, 2026.

We’re excited to see what our young people find on the farms and in the fields of Illinois!