CHICAGO— State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to protests and riots in Chicago brought on by the murder of George Floyd:

 “I’m saddened and angered as we mourn the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of law enforcement. They are painful illustrations of the deep-rooted systems of oppression, and systems of protection for bad actors, that continue to burden African-American families. These murders sow further hopelessness, anger, and agony, which have been expressed over the past few days through widespread protests.

 “However, some have seen this as an excuse to commit shameful acts of destruction and lawlessness. Those who hijack our protests to stir chaos demean and drown out the pleas of black families who are crying out for justice. Vandalism and looting shouldn’t be tolerated, but I refuse to let that shift focus away from the root issue. At some point, looting will end, but black Americans will continue to live and die under the menace of police violence unless we upend this broken system with real reforms. Police officers that engage or are complicit in unnecessary violence or racist acts should be fired the first time it happens, investigations should be swift and public, and discipline must always match up to the weight of the offense.

 “As for the majority of protesters, it was heartening to see countless Chicagoans, of all generations and backgrounds, who have taken to the streets to peacefully demand justice and make our voices heard in a productive way that respects the businesses and community institutions that Chicago families have worked so hard to build. Over the past 48 hours, many of the same individuals have taken action to help businesses and organizations recover from acts of vandalism and looting. These inspiring individuals represent the true unbreakable spirit of our city.

 “Above all, our path forward must not end with protests. Now is the time to harness our collective anger to galvanize a movement toward ending police violence and eradicating all systemic inequalities, including disparities in economic opportunity, health, and education. Black families can’t wait any longer.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following the passage of the state’s next budget out of the Illinois Senate, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“Illinoisans, especially in my community, are seeing their own livelihoods and the health of their loved ones diminish in the midst of this pandemic. Today, we passed a budget that prioritizes those families above all else.

“We strengthened our investment in programs that allow seniors to access essential services and stay in their homes, out of harm’s way. We provided additional support to help small businesses in our most underserved communities keep their doors open and recoup their losses. Finally, with significantly increased funding for Medicaid and community health centers, we’re one step closer to closing the health disparities that continue to plague African-American communities.”

The budget package expands funding for the Community Care Program and the Home Services Program – programs that ultimately help vulnerable senior citizens and Illinoisans with disabilities stay in their homes who would otherwise have to be in assisted living, which significantly increases their risk of contracting COVID-19. Similarly, with the help of federal funding, the state’s Home Delivered Meals Program will nearly double its capacity for the upcoming year.

In addition to approving a budget, the legislature passed legislation to enact the Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency (CURE) Act to provide support through grant programs to support public health businesses, and residents. This program will deliver more than $3 billion to support long-term care facilities, small businesses, local health centers, rent and mortgage assistance programs, and medical assistance providers.

The spending plan sets aside $600 million to fund grants for businesses impacted by COVID-19, with money specifically set aside for daycare providers.

Also included in the budget is $30 million for additional mental health and substance abuse programs for people effected by COVID-19.

CHICAGO – In light of Gov. JB Pritzker’s recent announcement that Illinois schools will remain closed for the remainder of the academic year, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging Chicago’s remote learners and educators to use the state’s new drive-up Wi-Fi hotspot map to find free wireless internet locations.

“Lack of internet access for urban families is one of many significant problems underscored by COVID-19,” Hunter said. “While it will take long-term solutions to close this divide, this interactive map is a great tool for the thousands of students whose academic progress has been thrown off balance in the middle of the school year.”

Designed to assist students at every level who don’t have consistent internet access in their homes, the interactive map provides drive-up Wi-Fi locations throughout the state and specific log-in instructions for visitors. Students and their parents or guardians should continue to practice social distancing by remaining in their cars while using the hotspots.

As of May 11, the Wi-Fi map has 380 hotspots students can use to complete coursework.

“Low-income students in our community already face problems that hinder their educational outcomes,” Hunter said. “It’s important we do everything we can to help keep student support networks strong, in addition to keeping them on track academically.”

To find a hotspot near you, click here.

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging Chicago residents, particularly in underserved communities, to help secure their fair share of federal funding and protect their voice in government by completing the 2020 Census.

“Many of the neighborhoods I represent recorded some of the lowest response rates in Chicago during the 2010 Census. Those same communities continue to face long-standing racial disparities in health-care access and quality and have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19,” Hunter said. “With health-care dollars on the line, a full and accurate census count is more important than ever.”

In 2010, the city of Chicago had a final response rate of 66%. So far this year, the city’s response rate is down, currently only at 50.1%.

Although online is the quickest way to fill out the questionnaire, there are three ways you can respond: online, by phone or by mail. Hunter also pointed out that higher self-response rates mean fewer individuals are likely to receive visits from census surveyors to be counted in-person. This year, census surveyors are putting the health of themselves and their families at risk from COVID-19.

“Completing the census is easier than ever before,” Hunter said. “By taking 10 minutes to complete the questionnaire, you’re bringing more than $18,000 per person to your community over the next decade. This money supports our public schools, economic opportunity, housing, family programs, and so many more vital aspects of our community.”

If you haven’t filled out your census questionnaire yet, you can visit 2020census.gov, where you can find the online questionnaire and additional information about the census. To see local response rates across Illinois and the entire nation, visit www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us.