SPRINGFIELD – Youth relying on after-school, employment and violence prevention programs are one step closer to having their needs met thanks to legislation that passed out of the Senate today.

Sen. Mattie Hunter of Chicago voted in favor of a budget plan to fund youth-targeted programs and reduce violence.

"Keeping our after-school programs and pipelines to employment open for teens keeps them off of the street," said Hunter, a member of the Senate Human Services Committee. 'Illinois' youth can no longer be used a bargaining chips in distracting debate over the governor's turnaround agenda. In Chicago, having a safe place to go and access to jobs is a matter of life and death for too many of our young people."

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Mattie Hunter passed legislation in the Illinois Senate to extend the time former offenders have to restore their lives.

"People who have served time and corrected their wrongs shouldn't have only a month to restart their lives. This bill makes it easier for people to get back on their feet," said Hunter (D-Chicago).

Many formerly convicted residents face a short 30-day window to find housing, transportation and employment. Former convictions often can lock people out of housing and job opportunities.

“Today’s Chicago teens face unprecedented challenges like worrying about personal safety, graduating high school and finding a job,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter. “Yet, they continually prove why they and after school programs matter.”

The youth of After School Matters, a non-profit organization, reject violence and joblessness as being the norm in their personal narratives. Teens, such as Simeon Career seniors Akiya Cole and Debrya Fullbright, take action in their communities by serving as role models.

On November 19, Hunter sat down with these future leaders of the TechKno Camp, a video and film production program, to discuss their roles in their neighborhood and participate in their film about Chicago gun violence.

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3, Chicago) will host a free college fair on Friday, November 20 at the VanderCook College of Music. Representatives from over 30 institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be in attendance.

“We’re helping connect talented students with the opportunities they need. We’re also giving recruiters access to Chicago’s brightest youth,” said Hunter.

The event is open to high school teens, parents and adults seeking higher education opportunities. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission,  State Representative Sonya Harper, State Representative Ken Dunkin and VanderCook College of Music-sponsored event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes and prepare questions for college recruiters.