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.

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.

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.

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.

SPRINGFIELD – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois has a birth rate of 14.6 births per 1,000 females between the ages of 15-19, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is ensuring policies will be put in place in the event that anyone has missed school due to pregnancy-related issues.

“Girls should not have to miss out on their education just because they got pregnant,” Hunter said. “Whether planned or not, pregnant girls 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.

Over 30% of teen girls who have dropped out of high school cite pregnancy or parenthood as a key reason. Rates are even higher for African American and Latino girls—38% and 36%, respectively.

“Girls should not be punished for being pregnant. School administrators can help accommodate pregnant students’ learning needs to ensure their pregnancy does not set them back in life,” Hunter said. “Having a child will surely be an obstacle to earning a degree, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.”

Hunter also addresses school board absence policies in House Bill 3099, which eliminates the Chicago Board of Education’s Office of Chronic Truant Adjudication, and instead requires the Chicago Board of Education to implement a socio-emotional focused attendance policy that targets the underlying causes of chronic truancy.

House Bill 3272 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday, and awaits further consideration from the full Senate. House Bill 3099 also awaits to be heard on the Senate Floor.

SPRINGFIELD – The final pillar of the Legislative Black Caucus plan to eradicate systemic racism, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) was signed into law Tuesday.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the systemic economic, educational and health disparities that have historically plagued African Americans across our country. For centuries, Black people have been disrespected, abused and misused in the name of health care, starting with the abuse of the enslaved,” Hunter said. “To prevent future harm to one of our most vulnerable populations, we have enacted this informed policy, with the goal of deep, intense reform.”