CHICAGO — State Senator Natalie Toro released the following statement in response to the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on the pretrial release portions of the SAFE-T Act:

“I applaud today's landmark decision by the Illinois State Supreme Court upholding provisions of the SAFE-T Act that finally clear the way for Illinois to be the first state to end cash bail.

“For far too long, the cash bail system has given the wealthiest an unfair advantage within our criminal legal system. The SAFE-T Act takes the first steps to make our criminal legal system one that actually stands for justice, ensuring all folks are truly treated as innocent until proven guilty and granted the same freedoms regardless of their access to economic resources. 

“I am proud that our state’s highest court prioritized public safety over wealth in their decision. I stand with the grassroots organizers who have fought for vulnerable communities for decades in their work to eliminate cash bail. This movement has led to a monumental win in reforming our criminal legal system to stand for justice, which is just the beginning of more reforms to come.” 

Read more about the SAFE-T Act here.

CHICAGO — To assist residents in their search for employment opportunities, State Senator Natalie Toro and State Representative Will Guzzardi are hosting a job fair Dec. 6 at Portage-Cragin Library.

“In today’s job market, it can be difficult for prospective employees to stand out, or get a sense of a company culture from fully remote communications,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This job fair will give residents the opportunity to make in-person connections with organizations who are hiring, and help them find work that is fulfilling.”

CHICAGO — The HANA Center has been awarded a $66,000 grant to enhance their adult volunteer literacy program thanks to support from State Senator Natalie Toro.  

“As a former kindergarten teacher who taught basic reading comprehension, I know firsthand how important this skill is for lifelong success, and how difficult it can be to learn, especially as we get older,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “Organizations like the HANA Center who provide literacy courses are helping empower people to learn more at any age and will utilize this grant funding to continue to support people in our community on their journey of personal development.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has provided nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state.

CHICAGO — To make the process of applying for professional licenses more accessible to constituents, State Senator Natalie Toro and State Representative Jaime Andrade are working with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to offer mobile office hours at Rincon Family Services.

“From hairstylists to chiropractors to roofers, many of us need to renew our professional licenses to continue working under state law,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “IDFPR’s mobile office hours will make this necessary process more straightforward and efficient, saving residents time and stress so work can continue without any hiccups.” 

The mobile office hours will be held at Rincon Family Services, located at 3710 N. Kedzie Avenue in Chicago, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.