State Senator Mattie Hunter joined Secretary Jesse White and the Jesse White Foundation for a holiday tradition, distributing over 1,000 turkeys and hams to low-income seniors and residents around the district.

“One of my greatest joys is giving back to those in the community,” Hunter said. “This holiday tradition is not only about giving, but ensuring families have enough food to eat with their loved ones. There’s nothing more rewarding than being a service to the lives of the people in this great state.”

Since 1973, the Jesse White Foundation has helped tens of thousands of individuals who’ve sought additional assistance and has brought national attention to the importance of alleviating homelessness. The organization works with volunteers, elected officials, corporations and many more to provide extra resources to those in need around the community.

This will be Senator Hunter’s 13th year participating in the holiday ham and turkey giveaway. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) announced a new plan to tackle the heroin and opioid epidemic spreading across the state. State officials, community leaders and families joined Sen. Hunter to share their experiences while working to help those struggling with substance abuse.

"As a certified substance abuse counselor I’ve had the opportunity to work as a support system for those struggling with drug addiction,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter. “I recognize the importance of teaching individuals how to modify their behavior with the intention of full recovery to prevent relapse which sometimes results in death. I’m hopeful that while working with previous taskforces and professionals in the medical field we can together we will find a solution to the problem plaguing our communities."

With the plan, Hunter hopes to identify common problems across the state and practical legislation that might diminish, if not solve, those problems.

Watch the full press conference here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter voted to override a measure that could increase youth participation in state elections. Senate Bill 250 creates an automatic voter registration for Illinoisans.

Under current law, Illinois has an opt-in voter registration system where the default status is unregistered. The burden is with individual voters to register. Earlier this session, the governor vetoed the legislation, causing the bill to return this fall.

"I’m hopeful the legislation’s new revisions will gain the governor’s support and become law. Increasing youth voter participation will allow a necessary voice in our political system,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), a career advocate for youth rights. “Making it easier for residents to vote, especially young people, is important because our youth will eventually be the leaders of this state and country.”

Senate Bill 250 will streamline the voter registration in a cost-effective and easy manner, giving unregistered voters who wish to opt out the opportunity to do so.

SPRINGFIELD – More than 13,000 children will reap the benefits of improved foster care under legislation signed into law, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

Currently, foster parents considered unfit to raise children are allowed to re-apply one year after losing their fostering license. House Bill 4966 would ensure that past performance of a foster home is taken into account before a new license is granted.

"I am pleased this legislation passed. All children, no matter their circumstance, deserve quality care and a loving home,” Hunter said. “Wards deserve the same quality households as their peers who live with their biological families, and it is our responsibility to ensure that happens. This bill will prevent neglectful and sometimes abusive foster parents from harming our children."