Hunter, Van Pelt call for statewide health care reform

CHICAGO – As the global pandemic continues to reveal racial disparities in the health care system, State Senators Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) called for massive reforms as part of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC)’s fourth pillar agenda.

“In order to truly fix the issues of health disparities amongst African Americans, it is important that we examine the root causes,” Hunter said. “For centuries, Black people have been disrespected, abused and misused in the name of health care. Though we cannot solve these issues overnight, we can start by addressing our afflictions piece by piece.”

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Hunter calls for affordable housing during joint committee

CHICAGO — Legislators met Thursday to discuss economic equity, access, and opportunity for Black communities as the third pillar of a larger agenda to address the deep injustices facing Black Illinoisans. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) stated the need for more affordable housing as a primary implementable step.

“Black Americans have suffered economic disparities for centuries,” Hunter said. “We never received our 40 acres and a mule, and the loss of generational wealth in addition to the effects of segregation and housing discrimination have further devastated our communities, not to mention COVID-19 more recently.”

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OCTOBER IS COLLEGE CHANGES EVERYTHING MONTH® IN ILLINOIS

Free assistance is available to complete college and financial aid applications: Don’t miss out. Fill it out!

CHICAGO – October is College Changes Everything® (CCE) Month in Illinois, when students are completing both their college applications and financial aid forms at the same time. Launched by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) five years ago, ISAC and its partners have extended the month-long campaign to provide an intensive schedule of free college and financial aid planning support to students and families from Labor Day through Thanksgiving. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid for the 2021-22 school year will both be available on October 1, 2020.

This year is unique in many ways. The Covid-19 pandemic has upended not only how education is delivered, but how students are thinking—or perhaps re-thinking—plans for post-secondary education.

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Hunter outraged over Breonna Taylor indictment decision

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after a Kentucky grand jury declined to indict any of the officers involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor, who was slain during a police raid in March. One former officer was indicted for wanton endangerment for firing into neighboring apartments during the botched raid.

“Though a former officer was indicted, it was not for the murder of Breonna Taylor. It was for the endangerment of other members of her community. I’m shocked and dismayed that no one is being held accountable for Breonna’s murder.

“The message Kentucky officials are sending is simple: Breonna Taylor’s life did not matter to them. There is no criminal justice for a Black woman who was sleeping in her own bed as the police raided her home, yet her family received a settlement for her wrongful death. Where is the accountability?

“I get tired of saying this, but I won’t stop until it rings true in the ears of the people who hold the power in these decisions: Black lives matter. Black lives deserve justice. Black lives deserve better from this country, and I will not stop working to make this country a safer, more equitable place for all Americans.”