Hunter votes to raise smoking age to 21

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago, 3^rd) voted to raise the legal smoking age from 18 to 21.

“It’s past time for Illinois to do what it can to protect our youth from a lifetime of nicotine addiction, from a lifetime struggling with chronic disease, and from a lifetime cut short because of tobacco,” Hunter said. “Tobacco 21 in Illinois is sound policy and common sense, saves lives and dollars and is overwhelmingly supported by Illinoisans.”

Hunter is a chief co-sponsor of House Bill 345, which would prohibit the purchase of tobacco products, alternative nicotine products and electronic cigarettes by individuals under the age of 21.

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Hunter: In-home care workers deserve a raise

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her fight to increase wages for home care aides who provide in-home services for nearly 100,000 seniors, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago, 3^rd) joined home care workers, legislators and advocates today to sound the alarm about Illinois senior home care.

For eight years, funding for programs under the Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program have gone unchanged, which leaves care providers unable to raise workers’ wages and has left Illinois unprepared to deal with workforce shortages.

Currently, the average Illinois home care worker’s hourly wage is only $11.08. Senate Bill 2019 would provide a rate increase to agencies that will ensure every care aid working through the Community Care Programs earns at least $13 per hour by July 1, 2019.

“These workers deserve more than a two-dollar increase in their wages. They deserve our thanks, and our deepest appreciation for their hard work and high spirits. We have to take care of the people who take care of one of our most vulnerable communities, and Senate Bill 2019 helps us do just that,” Hunter said.

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Hunter: Governor’s proposed budget a positive starting point for stability in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago, 3^rd) issued the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget for the upcoming year:

“This budget is a more positive starting point than has been the case in recent years. I am encouraged to see thoughtful initiatives in Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget that will help restore stability in Illinois.

“The Governor’s investments in childhood education, workforce development and restorative justice efforts gives me positive assurance that we can all work together towards creating better educational opportunities for our students, more quality jobs in our communities and keeping our young people from entering the criminal justice system.

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Senator Hunter champions measure to increase unfair low wages

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to improve wages for the state’s lowest paid workers, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago, 3^rd) voted in support of a minimum wage increase Thursday.

Hunter is a chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1, which would gradually raise Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 2025. The step-by-step rollout of the increase is designed to allow businesses to adjust to the law and adapt accordingly.

“We have talked long enough about putting Illinois on a responsible path to $15 minimum wage and today is the first step along that path,” Hunter said. “This will allow millions of workers in our state to provide for themselves and their families.”

While the cost of living has increased significantly, Illinois’ minimum wage has remained at $8.25 per hour since 2010.  The minimum wage has become the primary source of income for some families, even people living above the poverty line are still facing tough economic times.

“We’re giving working families the raise and providing the stability they deserve,” Hunter said. “This puts us on the right trajectory to helping people in our state move their lives forward.”

Senate Bill 1 passed by a vote 39-12 and now moves to the House for consideration.