Hands off CPS, says leader Hunter

CHICAGO – As Illinois faces another year without a state budget, Republican legislative leaders announced the governor’s plan for a state takeover of Chicago Public Schools instead of a budgetary plan. In response, Senate leader Mattie Hunter released the following statement:

“Bankruptcy may work for corporations but it doesn’t work for our children in Chicago,” said Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter, (D-Chicago, 3rd district). “Shortchanging our kids, teachers and communities for partisan points is a new low, even for Rauner.”

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us honor his memory by restoring and preserving the sense of family in our communities. Let us work together to ensure our neighborhoods are safer and stronger tomorrow than they are today. Let us provide services for the vulnerable and create fair, equal opportunities for all Americans to have a safe home, a good job and a hope for a prosperous future.

Sen. Hunter to introduce crisis intervention training legislation

CHICAGO – In the wake of the latest police shooting in Chicago, Sen. Mattie Hunter is calling for legislation to require Chicago’s police department to increase crisis intervention training and availability and use of non-lethal devices, such as Tasers.

“Every police car should be equipped with a Taser or similar, non-lethal device.  We are seeing tragic incidents of people shot and killed when no one’s life is at risk. Lethal force should be a last resort, not a first response. In this day and age, alternative resources and technology exist that should be utilized,” said Hunter.

In addition to expanded availability of non-lethal devices, Hunter wants additional crisis intervention training for officers and dispatchers so responding officers are better prepared for handling situations involving domestic violence and people with mental health issues.

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Sen. Hunter: U of Chicago trauma center is first step

CHICAGO – In response to University of Chicago’s announcement of a $40 million investment in expanding their hospital to include a Level 1 trauma center on Chicago’s South Side, Sen. Mattie Hunter released the following statement:

“Chicago’s South Side is long overdue for a level 1 trauma center. While I am glad the University of Chicago is invested in our community, this is only the first step. Residents in Englewood and farther south west still need resources for trauma care,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, who has stood at the forefront of this issue. “I hope the medical community will continue to invest in facilities that will help all of our residents.”

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