CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) championed a newly-signed law that will ensure the provisions in the Equal Pay Act are fully implemented.
“On average, white women make 82 cents for every dollar men make, and women of color make even less than that. This has always been unacceptable – and continues to be,” Hunter said. “In order to create true equity across state structures, we must guarantee that everyone is paid the same rates for the same work.”
During January session, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1480, part of the Black Caucus’ Economic Access, Equity and Opportunity Pillar. This bill created an Equal Pay Registration Certificate requirement for businesses with more than 100 employees in Illinois.
The Equal Pay Act was signed into law by the governor in March.
CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in the aftermath of the gun violence at an Englewood community residence in her legislative district that left four people dead and another four wounded:
“My heart aches for the lives that were lost and injured today. Our neighborhoods have seen too many acts of violence, and I extend my condolences to the families of the victims.
“Gun violence is a public health issue that has run rampant for far too long in our communities. I will continue to advocate for increased gun control and more safety resources for our communities. This has got to stop. One more life lost is one too many.
“Every Chicagoan deserves to feel safe on their street, and in their home.”
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget:
“After the hard year we’ve endured, it was vital that we supported a plan that adequately funds our health care and human service programs. I am satisfied that the plan has prioritized funding for Medicaid and other health and human services.
“I’m also glad that several ethics reforms will be implemented including prohibiting elected officials from lobbying other units of government, prohibiting all political fundraisers during legislative session and pro-rating the salaries of General Assembly members who leave office prior to the end of their term.
“Many communities have been roiled by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially communities of color, and it is necessary that the organizations they count on most are properly funded during this time.
“I believe the massive debt reduction of over $3 billion will help families get back on their feet.”
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) supported an initiative Sunday to maintain and expand telehealth services.
“COVID-19 has significantly increased the need for remote health services, but the truth is this need has always been here and will remain here once this pandemic is behind us,” Hunter said. “Whether we are isolating during a pandemic or simply elderly people with mobility or transportation issues, we need to be able to receive the necessary services and treatment, and telehealth gives patients that option.”
Currently, insurance companies may provide coverage for telehealth services, but are not required to do so.
Read more: Hunter: Telehealth must remain an option after pandemic
SPRINGFIELD – In cases such as Daunte Wright, Sandra Bland, and many others, traffic stops have escalated into police violence against Black Americans. That all too common circumstance led State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to pass a measure to ensure all new drivers are provided with guidance on how to interact with law enforcement during traffic stops.
“Unfortunately for Black people, traffic stops are something we know can take a rogue turn, and even end in the loss of life,” Hunter said. “Though ultimately, respectability may not always save someone from a police officers’ harmful biases, it can be helpful for drivers to be informed of their rights and what the typical protocol is supposed to be during a traffic stop.”
House Bill 3097 requires police procedures and appropriate interactions with law enforcement during traffic stops to be added to Illinois adult driver education course curriculum, as well as the State Board of Education's curriculum.
Read more: Hunter bill to add traffic stop protocol to driver’s education passes Senate
SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) ensuring policies will be put in place if someone misses school due to pregnancy-related issues has passed the Senate.
“Girls should not have to miss out on their education just because they got pregnant,” Hunter said. “Whether planned or not, pregnant women deserve an access to their education.”
House Bill 3272 requires all school boards in the state to adopt written policies related to absences and missed homework or classwork assignments as a result of or related to a student's pregnancy.
Read more: Hunter bill to address pregnancy-related absences in schools approved by Senate
CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) hosted a vaccination event in partnership with Howard Brown Health, the Illinois Institute of Technology, State Representative Lamont Robinson, State Representative Kam Buckner, and Alderman Pat Dowell Saturday.
“From our community health fairs to these mass vaccinations, Illinois Tech has been a terrific partner in helping to promote a healthy and thriving community,” Hunter said. “I am excited to have partnered with them on this vaccination event, helping Illinoisans stay protected against the worst of COVID-19.”
Howard Brown Health provided first and second doses of the Moderna vaccine Saturday. Vaccinations were open to all students, faculty, and staff, and neighbors throughout Chicago’s Southside community. More than 400 people came out to get their shot.
CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is hosting a vaccination event in partnership with Howard Brown Health, the Illinois Institute of Technology, State Representative Lamont Robinson, State Representative Kam Buckner, and Alderman Pat Dowell this Saturday.
“From our community health fairs to these mass vaccination clinics, Illinois Tech has been a terrific partner in helping to promote a healthy and thriving community,” Hunter said. “I am excited to partner with them on this vaccination event, helping Illinoisans stay protected against the worst of COVID-19.”
Howard Brown Health will be providing the Moderna vaccine on Saturday, May 22 from 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. in Hermann Hall, by appointment only.
Appointments are open to all students, faculty, and staff, and neighbors throughout the Southside community. Anyone part of the Illinois Tech community is encouraged to sign up here.
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