Lower rates for prison phone calls signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Families will be able to communicate with incarcerated loved ones at lower costs because of legislation backed by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) that was signed into law Monday.

House Bill 6200 limits the rates charged for telephone usage by prison inmates and prohibits additional service fees. It would cap rates at 7 cents per minute and remove excess charges.

The law aims to address the legal and social injustice of the extreme costs families face when communicating with their children, family and friends.

“Our prison system should be a place for growth and rehabilitation, not profit,” said Hunter, who co-sponsored the measure in the Senate. “It’s a shame families are faced with a costly burden while maintaining communication with their loved ones. The expense keeps inmates away from their families when I feel they need them most.”

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Governor approves Hunter's quality foster home plan

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."

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Governor denies increased voter participation for youth

SPRINGFIELD – Today, the governor vetoed a measure that could have increased youth participation in state elections. Senate Bill 250 would have created 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.

"I’m hopeful to see revised legislation in the coming months the governor can agree upon. 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 and should supported.”

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Sen. Hunter hosts 13th Annual Health Fun & Fitness Fair

Free health and fitness services, back-to-school supplies, activities and food will be available for families and residents from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 6. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), the Human Resources Development Institute and State Representative Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) are providing free health screenings at their 13th annual Health Fun & Fitness Fair.

The event will be located at the Illinois Institute of Technology on 33rd and State streets. Free eye and dental examinations will be offered, along with health screenings and information on nutrition, exercise and holistic health. The festivities will include performances, raffles, prizes, food and refreshments.

“As Chicagoans, we should remember to take care of our loved ones by doing everything we can to make our communities stronger and healthier. Getting active, having fun and remaining safe are all possible when a neighborhood becomes a family,” said Hunter.

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