The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt many small businesses in Illinois. We speak with state Treasurer Mike Frerichs about a loan program that could offer some relief.

Today on The 21st: Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs on what his office is doing to try to help small businesses affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns, plus a conversation with Colin Asher, author of the Nelson Algren biography Never a Lovely So Real.

One million dollars --- that’s how much the Illinois treasurer’s office says about 9,000 private-sector employees have set aside so far, through Illinois’ new Secure Choice auto-enroll workplace retirement program.

On the 21st: Today, we continued our election series outlining where candidates stand on growing Illinois’s economy – and fixing our economic problems. Plus,  our series of candidate interviews by speaking with the three men vying for the office of Illinois' Treasurer. But first, we learn more about a program that helps old farmers connect with, mentor, and even pass their land on to young farmers.

The new 'Money Match' program will automatically return unclaimed assetts such as life insurance proceeds, forgotten bank accounts or other benefits, to an individual taxpayer. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said taxpayer records from the Illinois Department of Revenue will now be matched with the unclaimed property program so that residents who are owed less than $2,000 will receive a check in the mail without having to file a claim with the state.