Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias serves as the state’s banker. His primary responsibility is to protect and wisely invest taxpayers’ money.

State lawmakers budget almost all of the tax dollars collected each year, but that money is not spent all at once. At any given time, the State Treasurer manages about $17 billion in state and local funds.

Most of this money is invested so the state can earn interest to fund schools, transportation improvements, hospitals and general state operations.

The remainder of the money is deposited in financial institutions statewide to back low-interest loans to consumers and farmers as well as businesses to help create jobs, enhance Illinois communities and spur economic growth.

The Treasurer’s Office also administers programs to promote the financial health of Illinois residents.

The Finally Home program serves as an alternative to predatory lenders by assisting prospective homebuyers with less-than-perfect credit purchase a home.

The Bright Start College Savings Program enables families to invest money tax free for their children’s college tuition.

And the Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division reunites $1.4 billion in lost, forgotten and abandoned funds with its rightful owners.

In addition, the Treasurer’s Office offers a series of financial education courses and seminars that focus on personal savings, debt reduction and identity theft.

The Treasurer’s Office has:

• Earned more than $4 billion in investments since 1995.
• Deposited $1 billion in financial institutions statewide for loans to farmers, residents, businesses and non-profit agencies.
• Financed more than $19 million in mortgage loans to people who would not have qualified otherwise.
• Helped 142,000 families save for college tuition.
• Returned more than $400 million in unclaimed property to Illinois residents.

Meet the External Affairs Outreach Staff

If your organization would like to learn more about the programs and services offered by the Treasurer’s Office, please contact the External Affairs division at (312) 814-1700. Our outreach staff is available to give presentations or staff information booths at agencies and events across the state. In addition, one of our representatives can train someone at your organization to present on the programs that are most important to your community.

	Carina E. Sánchez Manager of External Affairs Carina, a second generation Mexican American, brings more than six years experience in state government to the Treasurer’s Office. With a background in legislative, policy and community outreach, Carina is focused on ensuring that the residents of Illinois and the state's Spanish speakers are informed of the many programs and services offered through the State Treasurer’s Office.  Her favorite part of the job is working with people who are energetic, dedicated, passionate and are always willing to help.
	Gladys Piper External Affairs Specialist Based in Chicago, Gladys joined the Treasurer’s Office in 2000, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience from SBC. Gladys is state president of the Illinois Association of Minister’s Wives & Minister’s Widows. She says, “As I continue to introduce the Treasurer’s programs to the community, my love for people in general has aided in my networking, building and nurturing relationships. The driving force behind my enthusiasm and motivation is the warm smile that comes from those I meet. When I can help someone or point them in the right direction to receive help, that is what I live for.”
	Rebecca Davies External Affairs Coordinator Rebecca joined the Treasurer’s Office in June 2002 and her outreach territory stretches from Southern Cook to Kankakee County. A volunteer for the Chicago Special Olympics, she brings with her experience in local government. Of her job, Rebecca says "I enjoy experiencing the diversity of the people and places in this great state."