Welcome to Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter's Legislative Website

Hunter announces funding for local libraries, literacy programs

CHICAGO – State Senator Matt Hunter is proud to announce two organizations in the district she represents will be receive over $2 million for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more.

“Giving our libraries the resources to grow their services and expand what they offer is key to making learning materials accessible to every Chicago resident, no matter where they live, their income or their education level," said Hunter (D-Chicago). “At the same time, raising the state's literacy level opens doors to individual success and strengthens our communities overall.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

The Chicago Public Library System will receive over $2.5 million to enhance library services. The Literacy Volunteers of Illinois will receive $55,000 through an adult literacy grant. The grant will be used to provide instruction to help adults who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at beginning level to improve their basic reading, writing, math or English language proficiency.

For a full list of entities receiving grants across Illinois, visit the ILSOS website.

Hunter eliminates discriminatory limits for disability insurance

SPRINGFIELD — Disability insurance helps protect people from financial losses if an accident or illness renders them incapable of working and receiving regular income. However, disability insurance plans do not always treat mental health conditions the same as physical health conditions. To help those struggling with mental health conditions, State Senator Mattie Hunter led a new law to ensure insurance providers properly disclose mental illness limitations for disability insurance purposes.

“Mental illness limitations for disability insurance purposes is discriminatory and unfairly limits the economic protection that disability insurance is intended to promise,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Insurance providers need to be up front with their customers about how their policy treats mental health disorders.”

Hunter’s law requires private health insurers to disclose to consumers seeking a policy that includes whether the policy limits the duration of coverage for mental health or substance use disorders. The law also give consumers the right to request more information about the limitation and other coverage options that include unlimited duration, if available. 

The Department of Insurance found that 68% of disability insurance plans offered in Illinois limit mental health and substance use disorder benefits. 

Senate Bill 1327 was signed into law Friday.

Hunter, Sims honor the legacy of Emmett Till

CHICAGO – To recognize and honor the history and legacy of Emmett Till, State Senators Mattie Hunter and Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a newly signed law to honor July 25 of each year as Emmett Till Day in Illinois.

“Emmett Till’s story is a painful chapter in our nation’s history, but it is one we must continue to remember and teach,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By recognizing Emmett Till Day, we honor his life, the courage of his mother Mamie Till-Mobley and the generations of advocates who have fought for justice and equality.”

House Bill 4323 designates July 25 as Emmett Till Day in Illinois, recognizing Till’s life and legacy and acknowledging the significance of his death in the struggle for civil rights in the United States. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Till’s story remains deeply connected to Illinois and serves as a powerful reminder of the work that remains in the pursuit of racial justice.

At just 14 years old, Emmett Till was abducted, tortured and lynched in Mississippi after being falsely accused of interacting with a white woman. His murder and the decision by his mother to publicly display the brutality of the crime galvanized the civil rights movement and awakened the conscience of the nation.

“Emmett Till’s legacy represents both the pain and power of our history and the ongoing fight for racial justice,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “As we teach our children and grandchildren about Emmett Till, let July 25 serve as an opportunity to remember our truth, demand justice and find strength in his life, story and memory.”

House Bill 4323 was signed into law Thursday.

Save the Date: Family Health and Fitness Fair

Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Illinois Institute of Technology Campus, 33rd & State Street, Chicago