CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter, a staunch advocate for women’s rights and safety, has been appointed to a new task force that will study violence against Chicago women and girls.

“We cannot stand idly by while the lives of Chicago women and girls are cut short or shattered by violence,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This task force will serve as a catalyst for change, enabling us to better understand the root causes, devise effective prevention measures and support those affected by these devastating crimes."

The Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women – created through a law championed by Hunter in 2022 – is charged with exploring methods for tracking and collecting data on violence against Chicago women and girls, policies and institutions that impact them, measures necessary to address and reduce violence, and ways to help victims and their communities.

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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to the Senate’s passage of the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget:

"I am pleased to see Illinois continue its commitment to supporting our most vulnerable populations. The historic investments made in this budget will have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

“An $85 million increase in funding for unhoused populations will provide critical support for homelessness prevention, affordable housing and outreach programs. Additionally, a new Illinois Grocery Initiative will expand food access in underserved areas, promoting healthier communities statewide.

“Recognizing our responsibility to protect youth in state care, a $75 million increase for the Department of Children and Family Services will fund additional staff, enhance training programs, increase opportunities for youth and improve care facilities. Moreover, a new Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative will improve access to essential behavioral health services for our state’s youth.

“This budget also demonstrates our commitment to working families by investing in child care, workforce training and education, ensuring parents no longer have to choose between caring for their family and making a living.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a bill that will equitably distribute proceeds from specialty lottery scratch-off tickets, as well as create two new causes to provide educational opportunities to Black and Brown youth.

“By establishing a Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game, we are providing an opportunity for our residents to contribute to causes that make a meaningful impact in our communities,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This legislation will streamline operations and better distribute proceeds — ultimately benefiting both the Illinois Lottery and the causes it supports.”

Senate Bill 1508 amends the Illinois Lottery Law by introducing a Joint Special Instant Scratch-Off Game, which will combine specialty causes into one ticket — limited to 10 causes at any given time — and split the proceeds equally among the causes. Currently, there are eight separate specialty cause scratch-off games benefiting breast cancer research, veterans assistance, multiple sclerosis research, HIV/AIDS prevention, Special Olympics, police memorials, homelessness prevention programs, and Alzheimer’s care. Under the current structure, the Illinois Lottery faces several challenges, including disproportionate proceeds from various specialty games.

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SPRINGFIELD — Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black immigrants in Illinois, a resolution sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter to create the Task Force on Black Immigrants has been adopted by the Senate.

“Providing immigrants access to shelter, food and medical care is the bare minimum,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “We want to make sure our new neighbors are fully equipped to be successful here in Illinois.”

House Joint Resolution 18 creates the Task Force on Black Immigrants to study the economic, social and legal status of Black immigrants and provide recommendations for how to better support them — whether through state resources, programs or funding. The task force will consist of 16 members, serving without compensation, with the Illinois Department of Human Rights providing administrative support.

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