CHICAGO — To further expand services, programs and library materials, State Senator Mattie Hunter announced the Chicago Public Library will be receiving over $4.5 million from the Illinois Secretary of State.

"I am pleased to see the Chicago Public Library receive this grant to expand their efforts empowering our youth in developing valuable skills through a variety of programs and services,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Libraries are at the heart of our communities, serving as invaluable centers of learning and connection.”

The Public Library Per Capita Grants are authorized under Illinois library law for public libraries. Each year, funds are allocated for books and learning materials, staff, equipment, digital access and new technology. The Chicago Public Library is set to receive $4,572,736.

More information about the Public Library Per Capita grant program can be found online.

On the 69th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, we are again called upon to reflect and act in the interest of Democracy.

In 2003, I passed a resolution creating the Illinois Commission on the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education to help educate the public about the importance of the decision and its impact on education in Illinois. The commission commemorated Brown with a statewide reenactment of the Supreme Court decision and a call to continue fighting for racial equality in education. To this day, educational materials created by the commission are still used by teachers and students across the state.

Since the historic decision in 1954, it’s frequently asked, “Has any progress been made?” The answer is a resounding “Yes.” Yet, we must continue to work to ensure that each person has access to equal educational opportunities, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Today we honor the courageous citizens and elected officials who delivered Brown and those who continue to fight for equality on all fronts for all people.

With great sadness, we join Arèanah Preston’s loved ones in mourning the loss of the beloved officer. Officer Preston should be here today participating in her graduation ceremony. Join us in our calls for peace for Preston.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a bill through the Senate granting the Illinois Department of Human Services the authority to collect data on the frequency of stolen SNAP benefits within the state. This comes in response to widespread reports of identity fraud leaving Illinois residents without needed funds to purchase groceries and other necessities.

"The passage of this legislation marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of SNAP benefits," said Hunter (D-Chicago). "Collecting essential data on SNAP benefit fraud enables us to implement targeted solutions and protect vulnerable families in our state."

House Bill 2214 allows IDHS 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. Under this measure, IDHS will be required to report its findings to the General Assembly annually beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.

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