Leader Hunter urges governor to sign human services funding bill

CHICAGO – A bipartisan-backed human services emergency funding bill is sitting on the governor's desk. Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement, urging the governor to sign the plan into law:

"A human services funding plan is sitting on the governor's desk. The Senate and House worked in a bipartisan fashion to craft an emergency funding bill that will keep our state afloat.

“We are seeing in Chicago and across our state the devastating effects of not having a budget in place. Without critical programs like Redeploy Illinois, we will continue to see a rise in teen violence.

“Signing the stopgap budget into law is the first step toward turning our state around. Our at-risk teens, seniors and vulnerable residents who rely on human services cannot wait any longer.

“Our communities need a solution today. That solution, Senate Bill 2038, is ready to be signed."

COMMUNITY EVENT: Tilden CCA Summer Fun Camp

State Senator Mattie Hunter invites students to attend Tilden’s Career Community Academy’s 2nd Annual Summer Fun Camp. Youth entering grades 6 – 11 can participate in the six-week program that takes place from June 27 – August 5 at Tilden CCA, 4747 South Union Ave.

Children and teens can participate in creative dance, Zumba, boys and girls basketball skills camp, baseball and softball skills camp, community soccer team, Tilden TV and Radio and workforce development. Free breakfast and lunch are offered.

Hunter's quality foster home plan goes to governor’s desk

SPRINGFIELD – The quality of Illinois foster care homes will improve for more than 13,000 children under legislation sponsored by state Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

Under current state law, foster parents considered unfit to raise children can re-apply one year after losing their license. House Bill 4966 would ensure that past performance of a foster home is taken into account for future licenses.

"Wards deserve the same quality households as their peers who live with their biological parents," Hunter said. "It is Illinois' responsibility to prevent a revolving door of unfit, neglectful and sometimes abusive foster parents from harming our children."

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Hunter votes for state education budget

SPRINGFIELD – Yesterday State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and the Illinois State Senate voted to fully fund education for K-12 and preschool.

House Bill 2990 would provide additional money for P-12 education including a $75 million increase for early childhood education. The proposal would make sure schools start on time in the fall.

“I voted to fully fund our education system for students across our state,” said Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip. “P-12 education has remained a top priority for lawmakers and the governor. Putting our children first can help students and parents rest at ease.”

House Bill 2990 went to the House for further approval.

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