Free document shredding, electronic recycling event

CHICAGO - In efforts to reduce identity theft, Chicago elected officials are hosting a free document shredding and electronic recycling event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 7 at 1254 N. State Parkway on the State Street parking lot.

Ald. Brian Hopkins, state Sen. Mattie Hunter and state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz are teaming with NewTech E-Scrap Recycling to help residents safely discard important documents and old electronics.

Attendees can bring up to three boxes worth of materials to discard.

For more information call Alderman Brian Hopkins' 2nd Ward office at 312-643-2299 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Money for teens, violence prevention passes Senate

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."

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Senate Black Caucus takes the lead on lead

SPRINGFIELD – State Sens. Donne Trotter and Mattie Hunter took an important step to ensure that instances of lead exposure like what happened in Flint, Michigan doesn’t happen in Illinois. Currently, it’s legal to re-sale or re-lease a property that is found to have high levels of lead in the paint and other building materials. A measure that passed through the Illinois Senate’s Public Health Committee unanimously would prohibit the reuse of that property until the issue is solved.

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Sen. Hunter helps former offenders re-enter society

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.

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