Crime Reduction Task Force bill signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter co-sponsored a measure to create a Crime Reduction Task Force, giving crime survivors a new voice in public safety policy.

The Crime Reduction Task Force will develop and recommend solutions to reduce crime across the state. Its members will be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals and survivors of crime.

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Hunter announces $11 million in B2B grants for Southside businesses

CHICAGO – Thanks to strong support from Senator Hunter, 230 businesses were awarded $11.2 million dollars in grants throughout Chicago’s Southside.

“Once again, I am grateful that we were able to advocate for business owners who’ve experienced significant loss and help them get back on their feet,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “They deserve every single dime they have been awarded.”

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Illinois Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

May officially proclaimed AAPI Heritage Month; DCEO to host several events to support AAPI community with business resources

CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today launched its Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrations with a proclamation recognizing AAPI Heritage Month, spotlights on AAPI-owned businesses and hosting a series of events for business owners throughout May 2022. Additional information about resources and events can be found here.

“During Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, DCEO is honoring the critical role that AAPI-owned businesses play in Illinois’ economy,” said Director of DCEO, Sylvia I. Garcia. “We are committed to creating an inclusive business ecosystem in Illinois, helping to deliver DCEO resources to communities who have traditionally faced systemic barriers to accessing assistance and capital. During AAPI month and throughout the year, we remain steadfast in our partnership with AAPI business owners and AAPI communities across Illinois to increase access to economic opportunity.”

“As the first Asian American elected to the General Assembly, I encourage Illinoisans to celebrate National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by honoring the cultural and economic contributions from the AAPI community,” said State Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago). “We will continue to share our message to eliminate anti-Asian sentiment and racism that has been spread throughout the community during the pandemic, while we work with stakeholders statewide to bolster programs and initiatives that support the AAPI community.”

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Hunter welcomes new St. Laurence Arts Incubator project

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter is excited to welcome the St. Laurence Arts Incubator project in Grand Crossing, a $1.7 million initiative to open doors for Chicago’s artists of color.

The St. Laurence Arts Incubator is the newest and largest project to date from the Rebuild Foundation, which has worked to preserve cultural sites like the Stony Island Arts Bank, the Retreat at Currency Exchange Café, Kenwood Gardens, and the Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative.

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