Hunter encourages Chicago small business owners to apply for next wave of B2B grants

CHICAGO – The first wave of Back to Business grants has been awarded, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is celebrating more than $1 million awarded to the district she represents while encouraging more small businesses to apply for the next round.

“Though the nation is on the track to recovery, I’m aware that many small businesses are still reeling from the impact of the pandemic,” Hunter said. “The first wave has already provided aid to several businesses, but there is still more to go around.”

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Senate Black Caucus wants more answers

Missing ISU student Jelani Day has been found, suspect still at large

CHICAGO — The Illinois Senate Black Caucus reacts to the finding of missing Illinois State University Student Jelani Day:

“To the family and friends of Jelani Day, our hearts ache to hear this news and we wish you peace and comfort as you grieve during this tragic time. It’s extremely devastating to see a family lose a loved one and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

While we’re all mourning the loss of Jelani we must turn our attention to the suspects who are still at large. We encourage the Bloomington Police Department to thoroughly continue the investigation to bring justice and peace to the Day family. We understand this is a very difficult job and investigations take time but we want to emphasize the lack of urgency in identifying missing people of color. The term for this is ‘missing white woman syndrome.’ We saw an example of this during the tragic death and missing case of Gabby Petito. Gabby’s story controlled the airways, while Jelani’s was covered by very few. As a caucus, we haven’t come this far in fighting for equity for black children and families for them to not receive it. Jelani and his family deserve justice and we want it now.”

Omni Ecosystems to receive $2 million for green infrastructure

BRONZEVILLE – Omni Ecosystems, a green infrastructure and business incubator located in Bronzeville, is set to receive $2 million in Rebuild Illinois capital grants to be used for green infrastructure, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) announced Thursday.

"This funding will help to revitalize the community, in addition to making the city greener, literally and figuratively," Hunter said. "Omni offers the South Side significant environmental, social and financial benefits, and this grant will help them continue their work."

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Hunter: Illinois is becoming a leader on energy

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) supported a comprehensive energy package that will overhaul Illinois’ energy industry, including by establishing a goal of 100% clean energy statewide by 2050.

“I am very proud of how hard everyone worked and negotiated to get the bill to where it is today,” Hunter said. “I am confident we have made strides that will impact people from different walks of life, especially for Black and Brown workers, who will have increased access to employment opportunities in the energy sector.”

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