CHICAGO - Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is among the 2015 Paul Simon Award honorees from at the Illinois Hunger Coalition 13th Annual Paul Simon Award Dinner.
"I am humbled to accept the Paul Simon Award. Mr. Simon was a good and faithful public servant for all of Illinois," Frerichs said. "There are many paths in our mission to end hunger and each includes paying workers a decent wage so we can rebuild working class families and lift up those who want to better themselves."
In addition to Frerichs, Paul Simon Award honorees include Illinois state senator Kimberly Lightford and Keith Kelleher, President of SEIU Healthcare IL-IN. The award dinner was Thursday evening in Chicago.
The Illinois Hunger Coalition is an advocacy leader that seeks to alleviate and end hunger and the underlying causes through community organizing, advocating for progressive public policies, and public education. It is a 501 (c)(3) organization that accepts tax-deductible donations.
Know someone who is hungry? The Illinois Hunger Coalition's Hunger Hotline in Illinois is 800.359.2163.
The Illinois Treasurer is the state's chief investment officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. He protects consumers by encouraging savings plans for colleges and trade schools, increasing financial education among all ages and removing barriers to home ownership and a secured retirement. The $27 billion investment portfolio includes $5 billion on behalf of local and state government units and $7 billion in savings for college or trade school. The investment approach is conservative to ensure the safety of principal. Funds also are invested in support of community development efforts. The Treasurer's office predates Illinois' incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 voted to make it an elected office.
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