Hunter honors Reverend Jesses Jackson’s life with Senate resolution

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter led a Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

“We recently lost one of the towering giants of the American civil rights movement,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Reverend Jackson gave his life to the cause of justice, equality and the dignity of every human being — and the world is immeasurably better because of it.”

Jackson rose from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history, eventually becoming a close aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and being present at the time of his assassination in 1968.

He made Chicago his home and the base of his activism, founding organizations like Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition in the city. Throughout his life, he also served as a diplomat and activist on the world stage, securing the release of hostages in multiple countries and leaving behind a powerful legacy of advocacy for civil rights, social justice and human dignity.

Jackson also visited the Illinois State Capitol many times throughout his life, and worked closely with a number of members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus – including Hunter. He died Feb. 17 at the age of 84.

“I carry Reverend Jackson’s words and his example into this work every single day, and I am committed to honoring his legacy by continuing to fight for the people he spent his life defending,” said Hunter. “Rest in power, Reverend. The work goes on.”

Senate Resolution 637 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

Hunter releases statement on passing of Jesse Jackson

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement after the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson:

"Today we lost one of the towering giants of the American civil rights movement. The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. gave his life to the cause of justice, equality and the dignity of every human being — and the world is immeasurably better because of it. He stood with Dr. King, he ran for the presidency and proved that a Black man could compete on the national stage, and for decades he was a steady moral voice reminding this country of the work still left to do

I have had the privilege of meeting Reverend Jackson and that encounter has stayed with me ever since. He took a moment to speak to me and told me every seat at the table we earn is a seat we must use to pull someone else up. That was the essence of who he was — a teacher, a challenger and an encourager of the next generation. I carry his words and his example into this work every single day, and I am committed to honoring his legacy by continuing to fight for the people he spent his life defending. May he rest in peace."

Hunter looks to prioritize health, human services in FY 27 budget

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker's Wednesday budget address, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

"I'm encouraged by the governor's proposal to prioritize funding for health and human services across Illinois. Our efforts to advance health care equity have made significant progress, and I'm dedicated to continuing this important work.

"Ensuring affordability – whether it's housing, education or employment – must remain central to our mission. Expanding access to affordable housing and strengthening homelessness prevention programs are essential priorities – especially at a time when the federal administration is making drastic cuts to such vital programs.

"I'm ready to collaborate with my fellow legislators to put forth a budget that tackles these critical challenges while prioritizing the needs of underserved communities throughout our state."

Hunter law ensures hospital patients can designate an emergency contact starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure patients have a chance to designate an emergency contact when seeking care, a new law spearheaded by State Senator Mattie Hunter will require hospitals to offer an opportunity to provide contact information starting Jan. 1.

“When someone is seeking care, their first thought is not telling hospital staff who their emergency contact is, it’s getting the care they need,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Now, patients won’t have to worry about remembering – our hospital staff will spearhead collecting important information they need, like an emergency contact.”

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