SPRINGFIELD — Under a new law championed by State Senator Mattie Hunter, the Illinois Department of Human Services will collect data on the frequency of stolen SNAP benefits. This comes in response to widespread reports of identity fraud leaving Illinois residents without needed funds to purchase groceries and other necessities.

"SNAP benefits are a lifeline for many Illinois families, and it's important that we do everything we can to ensure these benefits reach those who need them most," said Hunter (D-Chicago). "This new law will help us do that by shining a light on the scope of the problem and helping us develop more effective solutions."

Under the new law, IDHS will have the authority 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. IDHS will be required to report its findings to the General Assembly annually beginning on Jan. 1, 2024.

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SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Mattie Hunter establishes a Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game, which will help equitably distribute proceeds from specialty Illinois lottery scratch-off tickets.

“With a single ticket, we are making it easier for Illinois residents to support causes that make a meaningful impact in our communities,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This change will help the Illinois Lottery streamline their operations, as well as give each cause an equal portion of the funds.”

The new Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game will combine specialty causes into one ticket — limited to 10 causes at any given time — and split the proceeds equally among the causes. Illinois currently has 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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CHICAGO — Building on the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Mattie Hunter, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of more than $71.5 million in road and bridge improvement projects.

“These projects will upgrade and repair our infrastructure while bringing jobs to the 3rd District,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By revitalizing our roads and bridges, we are strengthening our local economy and making it safer for everyone to travel.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, Hunter’s district will see six infrastructure projects totaling $71,553,000 over the next six years.

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CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following reaction after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions.

I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision to roll back affirmative action in college admissions. This decision is a setback for racial justice, undoing decades of progress.

Affirmative action is a vital tool for ensuring that our colleges and universities are representative of the diversity of our society. This decision will have far-reaching implications, affecting our schools, workplaces and neighborhoods, making them less inclusive and less representative of the American people.

This is not about quotas or preferences — it’s about creating a more just and equitable society. We must continue to fight for affirmative action, not only in higher education, but in all aspects of humanity.