SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on the Senate’s action to address the culture of sexual harassment in Springfield:

“I strongly believe that as a legislative body we need to ensure there is a safe process for individuals to report sexual harassment. Sexual harassment should not be tolerated under any circumstance. Reported claims should not be swept under the rug and harassers should, absolutely, be held accountable for their actions. I think this legislation is a step in the right direction and I look forward to seeing what the taskforce presents moving forward.”

“I commend Walgreens for their efforts to tackle this disastrous opioid epidemic in not only the state but the entire country. Storing Narcan in store will make the drug easily accessible for families and caregivers to help their loved ones in the time of crisis. This epidemic has gone on for too long and this is a step in the right direction.“The people who are struggling with opioid abuse and oaddiction do not need punishment – they need our help.”

CHICAGO – According to a statement provided by Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emmanuel, shootings in Englewood have dropped 43 percent this year. There have been 130 fewer shootings in the community than this time last year. State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement:

“Since the summer, it has been my goal to create safe zones for children and families within the Greater Chicago area. I know what it’s like first-hand to lose a family member to gun violence, and my heart aches for families that experience similar trauma.

The best way to keep youth off the streets and out of trouble is to engage them in activities and programs that encourage community involvement and life skills. This will put our youth on the path to success rather than roads to destruction.

While we are moving in a positive direction, it is my hope to strengthen my efforts by building a partnership with the Chicago Police Department to secure safety in and around the community in order to decrease devastating statistics.”

With the uncertainty of affordable healthcare looming, as of yesterday, Congress allowed the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provided low-cost health insurance to nine million children, to expire. The program is credited with keeping more than 300,000 Illinois children healthy.

Members of the Illinois Legislative Senate Black Caucus are voicing displeasure and pushing Congress to act before it’s too late. Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood), who also chairs the joint Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, delivered a clear message: “I can’t believe Congress let this expire. The Children’s Health Insurance Program is perhaps one of the most effective bipartisan success stories to come out of Washington in recent years. The program needs to be renewed now. I suggest they act swiftly.”

The caucus has stayed busy this summer continuing to focus on social justice for our most vulnerable populations. The caucus was instrumental in ensuring the education funding reform legislation was passed, in addition to delivering veto override votes for the first budget the state has seen in years.

“It’s simply irresponsible for our leaders on Capitol Hill to allow CHIP to expire. The health of our children is crucial not only to their success in the classroom, but to their overall well-being. I urge Congress to take the necessary steps to provide the federal funding for this program,” said Assistant Majority Leader Donne Trotter, (D-Chicago).

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