Sen. Hunter: Our children are not a distraction

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) took issue with the Rauner administration’s reaction to a court ruling on Chicago Public Schools’ lawsuit against the state regarding education funding. On Friday, Rauner Education Secretary Beth Purvis called the fair funding lawsuit a “distraction.”
 
“Our children are not a distraction,” said Hunter. “I resent the implication that low income children in my district are a distraction. The children of Chicago are facing the real possibility of having their academic progress disrupted.”

“Governor Rauner continues to play political games and refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. Time after time, he has turned his back on Chicago’s students.

“It is absolutely unfair and unacceptable for children in some parts of our state to receive better education than others and for the governor and the state to sit by and do nothing.”

Sen. Hunter: We must live free of bigotry, hate and violence

In honor of Muslim Action Day on Thursday, Ali Mohmoud served as my page for the day. Ali is from Hanover Park and is currently attending University of Chicago, studying Political Science and Psychology. He graduated from Schaumburg High School among the top quarter tier of graduating students.

He was the captain of the Varsity Scholastic Bowl team, an AP Scholar with honors and participated in other organizations as well. After graduation Ali plans on joining the Peace Corps and ultimately intends on working with the US State Department.

"The great state of Illinois has always welcomed, supported and protected people of all races, religions and walks of life," said Hunter. "We must work together to inspire a movement to restore our inherent American value that all people deserve to live free of bigotry, hate and violence."

According to the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago [CIOGC], nearly one out of every four hate crimes with a religious bias takes place near a victim’s home, and 15.6 percent occur in churches, synagogues, temples or mosques.

Illinois Muslim Action Day Press Conference

In an effort to increase accountability among law enforcement officers, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) discussed new legislation that will require sobriety testing following all officer-involved shootings.

The initiative aims to improve credibility in police department investigations.

Women March On Springfield Rally