Hunter encourages youth to join free summer reading program

CHICAGO — Summer is a great time to play, rest – and read, says State Senator Mattie Hunter, who is hosting her free Summer Book Club for local students.

“Reading during the summer helps keep our children engaged, sparking their imagination and preventing learning loss while they’re out of school,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “I encourage students to explore a local library and pick up a few books that interest them.”

To participate in Hunter’s Summer Book Club, students must read eight books of their choosing during the summer break, write the names of the books on a form and return the form to Hunter’s office by Aug. 16.

Book club forms are available to download at www.SenatorHunter.com/SBC, can be requested by calling Hunter’s district office at 312-949-1908 or can be picked up at Chicago Public Library branches within the 3rd District. Completed forms can be dropped off or mailed to Hunter’s office at 2929 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 102, Chicago, IL 60616, or faxed to 312-949-1958.

Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will be invited to an end-of-summer celebratory event where they can discuss their favorite books, as well as receive a certificate and prize.

Residents with questions about the program or who are having difficulty accessing books should call Hunter’s office at 312-949-1908.

Hunter announces bridge improvements within 3rd District

CHICAGO — Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Mattie Hunter, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of more than $1.2 million for bridge improvements along I-55.

“The Rebuild Illinois plan continues to bring much-needed improvements and investments throughout our state,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By modernizing our infrastructure and prioritizing safer roads and bridges, we are creating good-paying jobs and improving connectivity among our communities.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, $1.2 million will go toward bridge work at Michigan Avenue and the Stevenson Expressway within Hunter’s district.

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Hunter: Budget upholds commitment to families

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after the Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget:

“This budget upholds our commitment to supporting Illinois families while prioritizing investments in our youth, health care systems and social services, laying the foundation for an equitable future for residents across our state.

“Building on our promise to our state’s youngest, this plan allocates funding for K-12 education and need-based grants, ensuring every child has access to quality learning environments from early childhood to higher education. A $200 million investment in after-school and summer youth programs will provide safe, enriching spaces for children to learn, grow and develop socially.

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Senate approves Hunter’s measure to expand task force for missing women

SPRINGFIELD — Despite making up only 2% of Chicago’s population, Black women and girls account for about 30% of the city’s missing persons cases — an alarming disparity that remains the key focus of the Task Force for Missing and Murdered Chicago Women. To support ongoing efforts to address this issue, State Senator Mattie Hunter passed a bill through the Senate on Sunday that would add two seats to the task force for Chicago police officers.

“The number of missing Black women and girls — and families left without answers — is unacceptable,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Chicago police officers’ firsthand experience with these cases, paired with improved data practices, will be instrumental in finding these women and ensuring justice is served.”

The Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women, established through legislation Hunter passed in 2022, is studying methods for tracking and collecting data on violence against Chicago women and working to develop strategies to reduce violence and prevent future tragedies. The task force meets monthly and is due to submit its first report to the General Assembly by Dec. 31.

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