Illinois ushered a new chapter of American history by being the first state to ban slavery 150 years ago. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement to honor Illinois’ role in freeing African Americans. The Illinois Senate commemorated the 150th anniversary of banning slavery in the U.S. in the Senate Chamber with speeches.

Illinois led the movement to end slavery 150 years ago. We transformed our country’s landscape by championing the Emancipation Proclamation and being first to ratify the 13th Amendment.

CHICAGO — Senate Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter urges Gov. Bruce Rauner to keep his promise to make Illinois compassionate and competitive by protecting youth employment opportunities for low-income residents. Hunter released the following statement in support of a Father Michael L. Pfleger-led rally outside the Thompson Center today. Pfleger is protesting cuts to youth employment programs.

“Governor Rauner promised to make Illinois competitive and compassionate. I am asking that he lives up to these promises. Turning our backs on young people, especially from underserved communities, will not turn our state around,” Hunter said.

CHICAGO — Elected officials met Friday at the Chicago Urban League to discuss teen joblessness. Senate Democrats expressed concerns about a recent report stating Chicago has a 90 percent black teen unemployment rate.

“Unemployment has hit Chicago hard; however, it is unacceptable that over 90 percent of our black teens are jobless. Creating year-long job programs can put our teens back to work,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip.

Low-income Chicago neighborhoods will soon benefit from a joint effort from the Chicago Public Library, Knight Foundation and Google to bring “Internet to Go,” a hotspot lending pilot program, to public libraries. Newly appointed Senate Energy Chair, Mattie Hunter supports the CPL’s efforts to close the digital divide.

“Increasing Internet access in underserved communities will help residents become competitive. People, especially young people and job seekers, need digital literacy to enter the workforce. I hope the Chicago Public Library, Knight Foundation and Google expand the pilot program into communities such as Englewood and Bronzeville.  I’m looking forward to efforts to bridge the technology gap in Chicago,” Hunter said.