CHICAGO – Senator Natalie Toro announced that Chicago Public Schools will receive $23 million in funding to support local schools with recent financial challenges.

“Students throughout Illinois deserve equal opportunity and access to education,” said Toro (D-Chicago). As a former educator, I recognize the importance of investing in strong educational pathways because it ensures successful futures for our young leaders at every milestone. We’re beginning to see vital developments in our classrooms because of the evidence-based funding formula, and I am committed to seeing every student benefit from this line of support.”

Toro was recently selected to serve as the new state senator for the 20^th District. Previously, she served the community as a kindergarten and third grade teacher for nearly 10 years in the Chicago Public Schools system.

CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro is celebrating Wednesday’s news of a $1.3 million federal grant to the Illinois Department of Labor in support of women in the construction industry.  

“The skilled trades are a male-dominated industry, with women making up only a small percentage of the workforce — this is especially true for women of color,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This funding will support programs to train the next generation of tradeswomen and set them up for high-paying apprenticeships and careers.”

The U.S. Department of Labor awarded $1.3 million to IDOL and Chicago Women in Trades to support the creation of equity plans and increase women’s inclusion in construction industry jobs. The grant is funded through the federal bipartisan infrastructure bill passed in 2021.

CHICAGO — With support from State Senator Natalie Toro, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the latest round of Back to Business grants awarded to businesses in the restaurant industry. 

“Small businesses are essential to our economy and our communities,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “These grants give them the opportunity to rebuild after setbacks from COVID-19.”

The Back to Business grant program provides recovery grants for small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on businesses in the hardest-hit industries. Through the Back to Business and Business Interruption Grant programs, DCEO has provided more than $535 million to more than 15,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic.

Twenty one restaurants in Toro’s district will receive a combined total of $860,000 through this round of Back to Business grants.

“The Back to Business grants have been essential in keeping our local restaurants open after facing so much uncertainty during the pandemic,” said Toro. “I am glad this program is continuing to support local businesses and business owners, and I applaud the uniqueness and innovation of these restaurants.”

For more information about B2B grants visit DCEO’s website.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Natalie Toro released the following statement after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the General Assembly’s assault weapons ban:

 "As a kindergarten teacher, I am horrified each time I see my 5-year-old students have mass shooter drills and when I see the worry on their parents' faces because school shootings carried out with assault weapons have become commonplace in our country. Assault weapons are designed for military use to inflict mass casualties and have absolutely no place in our neighborhoods. I'm encouraged that the Illinois Supreme Court also recognizes the dangers these weapons pose to our communities and has agreed with the legislature’s ban. This senseless gun violence must end.”