Hunter leads measure to prioritize kin-first foster care placements

SPRINGFIELD — Despite research indicating improved stability and emotional well-being for children placed with relative caregivers, over 60% of these caregivers in Illinois are denied the financial support received by unrelated foster care parents. To address this disparity, State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a measure through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday aimed at removing barriers and strengthening kinship care.

“We know children are more likely to thrive when they remain connected to their families and culture,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “However, many relatives who step into the caregiver role — often at a moment’s notice — face significant financial challenges.”

House Bill 4781 — also known as the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act — aims to reinforce family connections and improve outcomes for children in foster care. The bill would strengthen family engagement by requiring the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to notify relatives within 30 days of a child’s entry into care.

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Community Health Fair

Join us this Saturday for a Community Health Fair! From 10-2 at 6620 S. King Drive, we'll have free screenings, health check-ups, vaccines, and resources from local agencies. Don’t miss this opportunity to focus on your health, wellness, and knowledge!

Kidney Disease Task Force Town Halls

Save the date for these two upcoming Kidney Disease Task Force town halls! Hear from expert panelists and community members to further your understanding of kidney disease prevention, detection, and treatment.

• Register for public comment
• Attend virtually on Nov. 18
• Attend virtually on Nov. 19

Hunter, Harper respond to PepsiCo plant closure

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Representative Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) issued the following joint statement after the closure of PepsiCo’s Back of the Yards plant:

“On Monday, Oct. 28, workers at the PepsiCo plant on 51st Street in Back of the Yards were blindsided by the company’s abrupt decision to shutter the facility and immediately lay off employees — some of whom had worked there for 45 years, were nearing a retirement or are sole providers for families with children and people with disabilities.

“Illinois law requires that both workers and state and local governments be given 60 days’ notice of plant closings or mass layoffs. PepsiCo claims it complied with applicable legal requirements, but how can that be the case if the workers, state and city had no advance warning?

“To the workers: We’re sorry this is happening to you, but you are not alone. We see you, and so does your government. We will be looking into this, and if laws were violated, we will push for the applicable remedies to be applied.”

Affected workers in need of assistance can contact Senator Hunter’s office at 312-949-1908 or Representative Harper’s office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..