SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to improve wages for the state’s lowest paid workers, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago, 3^rd) voted in support of a minimum wage increase Thursday.

Hunter is a chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1, which would gradually raise Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 2025. The step-by-step rollout of the increase is designed to allow businesses to adjust to the law and adapt accordingly.

“We have talked long enough about putting Illinois on a responsible path to $15 minimum wage and today is the first step along that path,” Hunter said. “This will allow millions of workers in our state to provide for themselves and their families.”

While the cost of living has increased significantly, Illinois’ minimum wage has remained at $8.25 per hour since 2010.  The minimum wage has become the primary source of income for some families, even people living above the poverty line are still facing tough economic times.

“We’re giving working families the raise and providing the stability they deserve,” Hunter said. “This puts us on the right trajectory to helping people in our state move their lives forward.”

Senate Bill 1 passed by a vote 39-12 and now moves to the House for consideration.

CHICAGO–State Senator Mattie Hunter issued the following statement this morning in response to Gov. Pritzker signing the Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act.

Hunter (D-Chicago 3^rd) co-sponsored Senate Bill 337, which would require gun dealers to adopt responsible practices and would hold corrupt dealers accountable. The new law is intended to curb a major source of illegally trafficked firearms from entering Illinois communities:

“Senseless gun violence is devastating neighborhoods in Chicago and throughout the state each and every day, and I applaud the governor for taking immediate action to fight gun violence and protect our children and our families.

“While no single reform will end Illinois gun violence by itself, the Gun Dealer Licensing Act is a start. It will help crack down on the handful of gun dealers who are abusing the process and will encourage businesses to adopt reasonable, sensible and good practices that will save lives, improve public safety and keep our communities safe.”

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement today after being sworn in to represent Illinois’ Third Senate District in the 101^st General Assembly:

“I am deeply honored for the privilege and the opportunity to continue serving my community. I’m humbled and grateful for the confidence my constituents have in me and I will spend every day making sure their voices are heard in Springfield.

“There is much that I am eager to do in this new session. After years of unstable and contentious governing, we must enact policies that work for the people by addressing the lack of affordable housing and rising rental prices, increasing and expanding access to health and human services and reforming our criminal justice system.”

CHICAGO – Starting Jan. 1, 2019, students and parents will have more access to research and prevention materials regarding influenza.

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) championed the measure after a rapid increase in the number of people going to see their doctors or health care providers with flu-related symptoms last year.

“The flu is a serious and contagious disease that can lead to severe consequences,” Hunter said. “One of the best ways to prevent influenza is to stay informed.”

Senate Bill 2654 will require the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop informational materials about influenza and flu vaccines for school districts. Additionally, school boards will be required to provide that information to parents when notifying them of other health-related matters.

“Providing parents with information can help reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed school due to flu,” Hunter said. “I am glad that we now have additional steps in place to protect children and families by providing them the information they need to live healthy lives.”