Sen. Hunter delivers emotional speech at vigil to end gun violence

Families from around Chicago gathered for the third annual National Vigil for Violence Prevention on Friday. Senator Mattie Hunter joined them in praying and standing up against violence in their neighborhoods.

“We must fight to win this war against crime, violence and apathy. There are no easy solutions, only hard choices about what we will and will not accept in our community,” said Hunter of the 3rd Senate District.

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Why After School Matters (Video)

“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.

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Hunter votes for Cook County, LIHEAP funding

Cook County residents soon will receive $93.94 million in critical funding for LIHEAP, winter road maintenance and local shares of video gaming and motor fuel tax revenue.

“I voted so that vulnerable residents and seniors could receive the energy assistance they deserve,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago, 3). “Hopefully Governor Rauner will stand with us and sign this bill so our local communities can receive critical funding.”

The Senate approved legislation today to free up gas tax money for Cook County residents and recipients of LIHEAP. According to last year’s estimates, Cook County received $93.94 million in gas tax dollars, while the state received $275.53 million.

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Sen. Hunter calls for termination of Officer Jason Van Dyke

In response to news reports about the police shooting of Laquan McDonald, a Chicago teen, Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago, 3) released the following statement:

“Too many families, including my own, have been touched by violence in Chicago. As we turn to the police for help, yet again we are faced with disappointment. I’m calling on Superintendent Garry McCarthy to terminate Officer Jason Van Dyke immediately to prove this horrific circumstance is not symbolic of the Chicago Police Department’s ethics.”