Hunter bill to fully implement CHW certification program

SPRINGFIELD – A bill by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure the provisions in the Community Health Worker Advisory Board Act are fully implemented advanced out of the Senate Thursday night.

“I am happy that the health care pillar was passed, and now we have to make sure that every measure is implemented the way we intended,” Hunter said. “With this follow-up legislation, we can finally bring the proper certification to these essential health workers.”

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Hunter to host vaccination event

Getting vaccinated pays off

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is teaming up with Cathedral Missionary Baptist Church to host a vaccination event for Southside residents this Saturday, Oct. 16 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Though more than 50% of Chicagoans in the 60615 zip code have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, Hunter and several local community leaders and churches are still advocated for higher numbers.

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Hunter encourages Chicago small business owners to apply for next wave of B2B grants

CHICAGO – The first wave of Back to Business grants has been awarded, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is celebrating more than $1 million awarded to the district she represents while encouraging more small businesses to apply for the next round.

“Though the nation is on the track to recovery, I’m aware that many small businesses are still reeling from the impact of the pandemic,” Hunter said. “The first wave has already provided aid to several businesses, but there is still more to go around.”

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Senate Black Caucus wants more answers

Missing ISU student Jelani Day has been found, suspect still at large

CHICAGO — The Illinois Senate Black Caucus reacts to the finding of missing Illinois State University Student Jelani Day:

“To the family and friends of Jelani Day, our hearts ache to hear this news and we wish you peace and comfort as you grieve during this tragic time. It’s extremely devastating to see a family lose a loved one and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

While we’re all mourning the loss of Jelani we must turn our attention to the suspects who are still at large. We encourage the Bloomington Police Department to thoroughly continue the investigation to bring justice and peace to the Day family. We understand this is a very difficult job and investigations take time but we want to emphasize the lack of urgency in identifying missing people of color. The term for this is ‘missing white woman syndrome.’ We saw an example of this during the tragic death and missing case of Gabby Petito. Gabby’s story controlled the airways, while Jelani’s was covered by very few. As a caucus, we haven’t come this far in fighting for equity for black children and families for them to not receive it. Jelani and his family deserve justice and we want it now.”