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.

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.

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.

SPRINGFIELD — A new law from State Senator Mark Walker to eliminate fraud in the digital currency industry will help protect thousands of Illinois consumers from predatory practices.

“Investment in cryptocurrency and digital coin has grown exponentially in recent years,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “This law will allow that growth to continue while creating a safer environment for consumers that invest in it.”