SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) will help address the challenges minority farmers face by expanding access to state and federal resources.

House Bill 4234 defines farmers who will benefit from the new law as people who have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities. These groups include people who are African American, American Indian, Alaskan native, Hispanic, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander.

The Farmer Equity Act directs the Illinois Department of Agriculture to ensure that such farmers, including those in urban areas, are included in the development, implementation and enforcement of agriculture laws, policies and programs.

“The Farmer Equity Act gives farmers from the many minority communities of our state a voice and decision-making power,” Hunter said. “It ensures that farmers of color can be represented in state policy-making, so they can advocate for their needs and gain access to resources.”

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SPRINGFIELD – A new law passed by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) will protect kids and promote health through safe biking and walking education.

House Bill 4799 creates The Bike Walk Education in Schools Act and adds biking and walking education to Illinois’ safety education curriculum.

Nearly five children are hit by drivers every day while walking or biking within one block of a school, according to Illinois crash data.

“Walking and biking is a great way for kids to get more physical activity, reduce the risk of obesity and promote good overall health,” Hunter said. “This new law helps ensure that kids are protected and safe doing just that.”

Under the new law, every K-8 public school will provide instruction, study and discussion of effective methods for cyclists and pedestrians to prevent traffic accidents and injuries. 

The governor signed House Bill 4799 into law this week. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2018.

URBANA – In her first stop on a state-wide tour, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) convened the Senate Special Committee on Housing Thursday to look for ways to make housing more affordable throughout Illinois.

“The need for affordable housing is immense,” Hunter said. “We know that having a safe, decent and affordable home is woven into better opportunities for children and their families. It’s necessary to secure the economic well-being of all Illinoisans.”

Illinois is one of 35 states across the country with a rent control ban. Hunter discussed a bill she has in the Illinois Senate which aims at lifting that ban, which has been in place since 1997 to prevent state and city governments from enacting any measure that would regulate or control rent prices on private residential or commercial property.

Hunter’s version, Senate Bill 3512, would establish elected rent control boards in every county that would have the power to adjust rents every year.  These boards would have the ability to regulate how much a landlord could raise rents and be used as a tool to support rent-burdened households.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) championed a plan which was signed into law this week to prevent children with serious mental health illness from being separated from their family.

For years, the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) has required parents of children with mental health conditions or behavioral disorders that require residential treatment to give up custody of their children in order to get the residential placements the children needed.

“In these situations, the goal is always to get children out of the hospital and into community and family settings,” Hunter said. “This new law works toward keeping families together and ultimately providing therapeutic homes and placements for children.” 

Senate Bill 2655 will provide additional funding for residential treatment for children with serious mental illnesses and reduce the likelihood of lockout or custody relinquishment that leads to a psychiatric hospital stay beyond medical necessity.

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