SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State Jesse White has announced more than $15 million in funding to libraries statewide through Illinois Public Library grants.

Senator Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) was proud to announce $30,000 of that funding would be allocated in his Senate district.

“Libraries provide valuable services, especially for people that otherwise don’t have the means to access some of these services,” Senator Martin Sandoval said. “These grants will help make sure libraries maintain their important place in our communities.”

Per Capita grants help fund library expenses such as materials, personnel, equipment, electronic access, telecommunications and technology. Equalization Aid Grants help qualifying public libraries with a low library tax base ensure a minimum level of funding for services.

The following libraries in Senate District 11 will receive funds:Bedford Park Public Library District, $725; Lyons Public Library, $13,411.25; McCook Public Library District, $285; Riverside Public Library, $11,093.75; Stickney-Forest View Public Library District, $13,015.00.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Martin A. Sandoval, co-chairman of the Illinois Latino Caucus, worked with the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association to advance legislation this week to help minority contractors get paid.

"The contractor industry is a major employer in Latino communities in Illinois," Sandoval (D-Chicago) said. "And there are many Latino contractors that would like more transparency regarding the payment of their contracts. This legislation delivers that."

Sandoval’s Senate Bill 2533 requires the Department of Transportation and the Capital Development Board to declare whether vouchers submitted to the comptroller include a payment to a subcontractor. If it does, the agencies must include the name of each subcontractor and the amount owed to them.

The information would be required to be posted on the comptroller’s website.

The bill pertains to Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act, which promotes minority-owned and women-owned businesses and their inclusion in the state's procurement process as both prime and subcontractors.

The bill passed the Illinois Senate State Government Committee Wednesday and will head to the floor for a full vote.