Hunter: $71.5 million in infrastructure improvements coming to 3rd District

CHICAGO — Building on the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Mattie Hunter, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of more than $71.5 million in road and bridge improvement projects.

“These projects will upgrade and repair our infrastructure while bringing jobs to the 3rd District,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By revitalizing our roads and bridges, we are strengthening our local economy and making it safer for everyone to travel.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, Hunter’s district will see six infrastructure projects totaling $71,553,000 over the next six years.

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Hunter hosting 19th annual Family Health and Fitness Fair

CHICAGO – Health screenings, giveaways, live entertainment, ID services, family activities and more will be available at State Senator Mattie Hunter’s annual Family Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, Aug. 5.

“This major community event is an opportunity to not only access free health screenings and valuable resources but enjoy fun activities for the whole family,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “From live entertainment to giveaways and free services, there’s something for everyone. Stop by and take advantage of everything offered while learning how to prioritize your health and wellness.”

Held at the Illinois Institute of Technology for its 19th year, this large event features free health screenings including kidney and diabetes screenings from the National Kidney Foundation, school physicals from St. Bernard’s Mobile Health Unit, and dental screenings from Roseland Dental. Representatives from the Illinois Secretary of State will be on site offering state IDs and vehicle plate stickers (fees apply), and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office will provide free electronics recycling and medicine disposal.

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Hunter invites public to outreach event targeting opioid addiction

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter, convener of the South Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, is inviting the community to the task force’s inaugural street outreach event, which will provide information and support to those affected by substance use.

“We want to make sure that everyone has access to the tools and information they need to stay safe,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This event is a great opportunity for those struggling with substance abuse to learn about the resources available to them and will help equip our community with the knowledge and supplies they need to save lives.”

The event will be held Thursday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of 112th Street and Michigan Avenue. Hunter and members of the task force will be distributing Narcan, fentanyl test strips, opioid addiction resources and other harm reduction materials. Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, whereas fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in other drugs.

The South Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force is comprised of community-based agencies, health care providers and governmental agencies to address the opioid epidemic facing those who reside on the city’s South Side. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon. To attend a virtual meeting, subscribe to their e-newsletter on the task force’s website.

The event is free and open to the public. For questions, call 773-840-7310 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Senator Hunter reacts to Supreme Court's affirmative action decision

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following reaction after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions.

I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision to roll back affirmative action in college admissions. This decision is a setback for racial justice, undoing decades of progress.

Affirmative action is a vital tool for ensuring that our colleges and universities are representative of the diversity of our society. This decision will have far-reaching implications, affecting our schools, workplaces and neighborhoods, making them less inclusive and less representative of the American people.

This is not about quotas or preferences — it’s about creating a more just and equitable society. We must continue to fight for affirmative action, not only in higher education, but in all aspects of humanity.