Hunter announces over $2.6 million in library, literacy grants

CHICAGO — With strong support from State Senator Mattie Hunter, libraries and literacy programs within the 3rd Senate District will receive more than $2.6 million in combined state grants.

“Literacy programs equip adults with the tools they need to be successful and open the doors to a world of possibilities,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This funding will empower local literacy programs and Chicago libraries to continue to provide and expand services, benefiting learners of all ages.”

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office awarded $2,573,253 in System Area and Per Capita Grants to the Chicago Public Library System. Per capita grants help fund library expenses, such as books and learning materials, personnel, equipment, access to digital materials and new technology.

To support literacy efforts, Literacy Volunteers of Illinois will receive $53,800 to train volunteers who tutor adults in reading, math, writing and language skills. The Tolton Center at De La Salle Institute will receive $50,000 to enhance family literacy programs.

More information about statewide library grants can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Hunter: Chicago Public Schools to receive $23 million in evidence-based funding

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter announced that the Chicago Public Schools district will receive over $23 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years.

“Every child deserves a quality education with access to libraries, counselors and support,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “With evidence-based funding, we are taking a crucial step toward closing the education gap, ensuring all students have a fair shot at reaching their full potential.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

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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.”