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.

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.

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.