SPRINGFIELD – Law enforcement agencies can face roadblocks with collecting DNA samples when trying to locate missing people, but now that process will be a bit easier thanks to a measure passed by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

“DNA testing can help reunite missing people with their families,” Munoz said. “If a family member of yours is missing, you can now provide DNA samples to law enforcement to help find them.”  

CHICAGO – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is glad to learn more than 30 businesses in the district he represents have received financial assistance from the Business Interruption Grant program to help offset financial losses stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and he is encouraging more to apply.

“Our local small businesses are embedded in the culture of our community,” Munoz said. “They play an important role in serving our residents, and they need our support as they comply with the guidelines that keep us safe.”

CHICAGO — Applications for a second round of grants to expand broadband in underserved communities was recently announced, and State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is encouraging any group eligible to apply. 

"Lack of quality broadband access continues to severely affect families across the state,” Munoz said. “People depend on vital services to keep them connected by virtual means during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as e-learning, telehealth care services and connecting with family and friends.”

The eligibility requirements for the second round of funding are largely the same as the previous round. However, the administration has introduced a new exemption allowing a lower non-state match for project proposals concerning economically distressed communities in an effort to allow underserved areas to be competitive when applying for critical infrastructure dollars.

CHICAGO— The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) will make $7.1 million in funding available to organizations providing support services and resources to communities hit hardest by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is encouraging interested organizations to apply immediately.

“COVID-19 has had an awful, disproportionate impact on minority communities. These communities that have been severely affected by the pandemic cannot afford to deal with an additional crisis,” Munoz said. “The funding opportunity will assist individuals and families who are in jeopardy of losing their homes, access to food or other needs due to the flexibility of the grant.”

The funding is provided through the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program and will support communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. Interested organizations are required to submit an application to ICJIA by July 24. Funds can be used for:

• Transitional and/or emergency housing and rental assistance for persons involved in the criminal justice system and those who have experienced violence.
• Supportive services for community members, including overall advocacy, case management, legal services, mental and emotional support, and clinical behavioral health services for adults and children.
• Rent, utilities and COVID-related supplies for community-based agency operations.
• Efforts to distribute food to local residents.
• Other needs resulting from the pandemic, as determined by communities.

Funding priorities were determined by an ICJIA ad hoc committee of criminal justice practitioners, policymakers, and community representatives. Community-level data on positive COVID cases, unemployment, housing, and reentry will be considered in funding decisions.

Additional information on the available funds and application process is available here. Proposals are due by 11:59 pm on Friday, July 24.

CHICAGO – State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) joined Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson, South Branch Park Advisory Council and Greater Bridgeport Mutual Aid Saturday for a free personal protective equipment giveaway in the 11th Ward.

“It’s been proven how effective masks are at reducing the spread of COVID-19,” Munoz said. “It’s critical that we ensure every person has access to the protective equipment they need to keep themselves safe during this pandemic.”

Area residents came to Eleanor Boathouse in Park 571 to receive free reusable masks, hand sanitizer, and hot dogs.

Munoz donated 250 reusable masks for the event.

Under Gov. JB Pritzker’s Stay at Home Order, face coverings are required for anyone over the age of 2 in public spaces where social distancing is not possible.

CHICAGO – State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is encouraging students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to seek financial aid adjustments if needed and take advantage of free financial aid consultation from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

“This pandemic has had a significant impact on college students throughout the state, and many of them may now be facing questions about how they can afford to continue their education,” Munoz said. “It’s critical that we provide them with resources to guide them through the process of adjusting their financial aid.”

As students prepare to return to colleges and universities in the fall, many of them are facing new financial challenges due to the pandemic. Students and their families can seek an adjustment to their financial aid offers based on their new financial situation. Students in need of additional aid should contact the financial aid offices at their colleges and universities. ISAC is available to help guide them through the process.

ISAC also provides free assistance to these students as they complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the recently launched Alternative Application for Illinois Financial aid, which provides financial aid to undocumented and transgender students. 

These resources can be accessed both online and through the ISAC College Q&A program, a free text resources for students seeking answers to financial aid questions. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. 

“Every student’s situation is different, and these resources allow them to work with ISAC to ensure they receive the financial aid package that best suits them,” Munoz said. “I encourage all students and families who have been impacted by the pandemic to take advantage of them.”

For additional information about financial aid and returning to campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit https://www.isac.org/covid-19/. 

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 21 budget, found in Senate Bill 264, providing funding for services that will put Illinois on the road to recovery from the health and economic stresses caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Our immigrant communities were left with little to no support under federal aid packages as the Trump administration chose to ignore their needs. I applaud my colleagues and Governor Pritzker for increasing funding for immigrant welcoming centers and expanding Medicaid to cover undocumented seniors.

“Our small businesses will see support from $600 million in grants dedicated to helping them rebuild, including funds set aside for underserved communities. This budget also provides rent and mortgage assistance, and helps deliver important healthcare services.

“We won’t stop here. Young people continue to protest against inequities in our communities, and we need to answer their call. Latino communities in my district need violence intervention services, protection against environmental racism and more investments in economic development.”

CHICAGO – To help prepare local residents for the new face covering requirement, Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) partnered with Joann Fabrics in donating 5,000 masks to local businesses and organizations on Friday.

“My volunteers and I are more than grateful to be able to provide masks to local residents,” Munoz said. “I thank Joann Fabrics for their partnership and work during these trying times.”

Gov. JB Pritzker’s modified stay-at-home order requiring face coverings for anyone over the age of 2 in public spaces where social distancing is difficult went into effect May 1.

“I strongly encourage people to follow the governor’s order to the best of their ability,” Munoz said. “Staying at home and wearing face coverings in public spaces helps protect our frontline healthcare workers, essential workers and vulnerable residents.”

Munoz distributed masks to nursing homes, assisted living centers, local small businesses and nonprofit organizations across the 1^st Senate District. Those entities include: Symphony of Midway, Aperion Care International, Barton Senior Residences, Senior Suites of Bridgeport, National Latino Education Institute, Amor De Dios Methodist Church, WINGS, Pilsen Alliance,

Pilsen Neighborhood Council, Chinese American Service League, Consolidated Benevolent Association Long Life Senior Housing and L'Cafecito Jumping Bean.

Future distributions will be made based on availability of supplies.