SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a bill that will equitably distribute proceeds from specialty lottery scratch-off tickets, as well as create two new causes to provide educational opportunities to Black and Brown youth.

“By establishing a Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game, we are providing an opportunity for our residents to contribute to causes that make a meaningful impact in our communities,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This legislation will streamline operations and better distribute proceeds — ultimately benefiting both the Illinois Lottery and the causes it supports.”

Senate Bill 1508 amends the Illinois Lottery Law by introducing a Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game, which will combine specialty causes into one ticket — limited to 10 causes at any given time — and split the proceeds equally among the causes. Currently, there are eight separate specialty cause scratch-off games benefiting breast cancer research, veterans assistance, multiple sclerosis research, HIV/AIDS prevention, Special Olympics, police memorials, homelessness prevention programs, and Alzheimer’s care. Under the current structure, the Illinois Lottery faces several challenges, including disproportionate proceeds from various specialty games.

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SPRINGFIELD — Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black immigrants in Illinois, a resolution sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter to create the Task Force on Black Immigrants has been adopted by the Senate.

“Providing immigrants access to shelter, food and medical care is the bare minimum,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “We want to make sure our new neighbors are fully equipped to be successful here in Illinois.”

House Joint Resolution 18 creates the Task Force on Black Immigrants to study the economic, social and legal status of Black immigrants and provide recommendations for how to better support them — whether through state resources, programs or funding. The task force will consist of 16 members, serving without compensation, with the Illinois Department of Human Rights providing administrative support.

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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.

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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