Hunter announces $1.6 million in local restaurant business grants

CHICAGO — To help restaurants continue to recover from financial hardship sustained over the last few years, State Senator Mattie Hunter announced that 40 businesses in the 3rd Senate District will receive over $1.6 million in funding through the Back to Business grant program.

“The Back to Business program has helped hundreds of businesses in Chicago bounce back from the lasting effects of the pandemic,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “With the support of these grants, restaurants will be able to keep their doors open, retain jobs and continue to provide valuable services within our community.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

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Hunter issues statement on assault weapons ban decision

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the state’s assault weapons ban:

“Military-style assault weapons have no place in our neighborhoods. We have seen time and again the devastation and loss of life these weapons cause, and enough is enough. Today’s decision by the Illinois Supreme Court is the right one and one that will spare countless lives from senseless violence.”

Hunter promotes community wellness at annual health fair

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter, a dedicated advocate for public health and champion of health legislation, held her annual Family Health and Fitness Fair on Aug. 5, bringing local residents together for a day of health screenings, resources and entertainment.

“Year after year, this health fair serves as a way to extend essential health services and information directly into our community,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By offering these free resources — including diabetes and kidney screenings and school physicals — we are encouraging families to prioritize their well-being.”

Held at the Illinois Institute of Technology for its 19th year, many 3rd District residents have come to rely on the free services provided at this event, as evidenced by the hundreds who attended despite the rain. In addition to health screenings, students heading back to school were able to take advantage of free haircuts and braiding, as well as new backpacks with school supplies.

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Illinois targets SNAP benefit fraud, thanks to Senator Hunter

SPRINGFIELD — Under a new law championed by State Senator Mattie Hunter, the Illinois Department of Human Services will collect data on the frequency of stolen SNAP benefits. This comes in response to widespread reports of identity fraud leaving Illinois residents without needed funds to purchase groceries and other necessities.

"SNAP benefits are a lifeline for many Illinois families, and it's important that we do everything we can to ensure these benefits reach those who need them most," said Hunter (D-Chicago). "This new law will help us do that by shining a light on the scope of the problem and helping us develop more effective solutions."

Under the new law, IDHS will have the authority to track how often benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are stolen from their rightful recipients. SNAP participants receive monthly benefits for groceries deposited onto EBT cards, and in recent months, card skimming has increased significantly in many states. IDHS began collecting data on card skimming and other fraud methods in December 2022, making it unclear how much theft had previously occurred. IDHS will be required to report its findings to the General Assembly annually beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.

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