Walker-led law protecting Indigenous heritage sites takes effect Jan. 1

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Under a law championed by State Senator Mark Walker, landowners will soon be able to grant conservation rights to Native American tribes to preserve cultural heritage sites.

“Protecting cultural heritage sites is inseparable from returning land to Native nations, as these places hold stories, traditions and history that only Indigenous communities can safeguard,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “When tribes manage their own sacred sites, we honor their sovereignty and ensure that irreplaceable cultural legacies are preserved with the respect they deserve.”

House Bill 1605 encourages the preservation of cultural heritage sites. It allows property owners to convey, transfer or assign a conservation right to a federally recognized Native American tribe. This will allow tribal nations to preserve their own cultural heritage sites, and have access for cultural, ceremonial, traditional and educational purposes.

This new law is part of an ongoing effort to return remains and land to Native American tribes, which Walker has been championing for years. In 2023, Walker led House Bill 3413, which streamlined efforts to return known or newly discovered Native American remains and cultural artifacts to their nation of origin. Under House Bill 3413, all Native American human remains, unregistered graves, grave markers, and grave artifacts are the property of the Native American nations geographically and culturally affiliated with Illinois.

Earlier this year, Walker led Senate Bill 867, authorizing the state to transfer approximately 1,500 acres of land within Shabbona Lake State Park in DeKalb County to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

“When we return land to tribal nations, we invest in caretakers who understand the rhythms, challenges and sacred responsibilities of these places,” Walker said. “Their leadership ensures that future generations inherit lands that are healthier and more resilient.”

House Bill 1605 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Walker calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Mark Walker is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

“Providing funding for SNAP is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and strengthen our communities,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “It’s not just a safety net— it’s a bridge to opportunity and a healthier future for all.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 15,781 people in the district Walker represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Walker stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention.

“No one in America should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table,” Walker said. “Funding must be provided to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

Walker is coordinating with state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance. For a list of food pantries in Walker’s district visit https://www.senatormarkwalker.com/district-info/food-pantries.

Nearly $90 million coming to area infrastructure with strong support from Walker

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Mark Walker secured over $88 million to build and repair infrastructure in the 27th District.

“Strong infrastructure is the backbone of a strong community,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “By improving our roads, we are creating jobs, supporting local businesses and making daily life easier for families across our district.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Walker represents will see infrastructure projects totaling more than $88 million next year.

“This funding represents a commitment to modernizing our infrastructure, reducing congestion, and ensuring our communities remain connected and competitive for years to come,” Walker said.

A full list of projects in the 27th District can be found here.

Walker announces nearly $300,000 awarded to local literacy programs

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Literacy programs within the 27th District will receive nearly $300,000 in combined state grants, thanks to support from State Senator Mark Walker.

“By continuing to provide funding for programs that support adult and family literacy, we are empowering individuals of all ages to develop critical skills that will help them reach personal and professional goals,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “I am proud that these grants will uplift members of our community and will allow them to find success.”

The funds, awarded by the Illinois Secretary of State, included more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout the state.

In Walker’s district, adult and family literacy programs will receive a total of $299,136. This includes $156,000 for Township High School District 214, $85,000 for The Center and $58,136 for Hanul Family Alliance. Grants will support programs that assist learners in enhancing their reading, writing, math and English literacy skills.

More information about the Secretary of State’s adult literacy grant programs can be found here.