Hunter expands task force for missing and murdered women

SPRINGFIELD — A dedicated advocate for victims and their families, State Senator Mattie Hunter passed a law to expand the Task Force for Missing and Murdered Chicago Women, adding two seats for Chicago police officers.

“Through the work of the task force and dedicated individuals who are shining a light on this crisis, we are beginning to see the true scale of this issue and areas for improvement related to managing cases and data,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “It’s vital we bring in representatives from the Chicago Police Department to speak to current practices and how we can best move forward.”

Despite making up only 2% of Chicago’s population, Black women and girls account for about 30% of the city’s missing persons cases — an alarming disparity that remains the focus of the Task Force for Missing and Murdered Chicago Women. The task force, established through legislation Hunter passed in 2022, is studying methods for tracking and collecting data on violence against Chicago women and working to develop strategies to reduce violence and prevent future tragedies. The task force meets monthly and is due to submit its first report to the General Assembly by Dec. 31.

Read more …

Hunter law cuts cost of asthma inhalers

SPRINGFIELD — Individuals with asthma will soon see significant savings on their prescription inhalers thanks to a new law from State Senator Mattie Hunter.

“As someone with asthma, I know the importance of having access to an inhaler — and the cost that comes with it,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “People shouldn’t be faced with financial hardship when it comes to essential medication.”

Under the new law, health insurance providers cannot deny or limit coverage for prescription inhalers, and insured individuals will pay no more than $25 for a 30-day supply of their inhaler.

Read more …

Hunter announces funding for local affordable housing development

CHICAGO — With the help of federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, a building within the 3rd Senate District will be turned into additional affordable housing units, State Senator Mattie Hunter announced.

“The dilapidated and crumbling building at the southeast corner of Western and 63rd will finally be demolished and new housing will take its place,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “I’m a strong supporter of the creation of additional affordable housing opportunities, not just in my district but across Illinois.”

A total of $23.8 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits will finance the creation and preservation of 16 affordable housing developments in 10 counties across Illinois. Once completed, the developments will offer 792 affordable units for low- to moderate-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. Southwest Organizing Project in Chicago is among awardees for the development at 6301 S. Western Ave.

Read more …

Hunter encourages families to get back-to-school ready at health fair

CHICAGO — Celebrating 20 years of bringing free health screenings, school supplies and local resources to the community, State Senator Mattie Hunter is inviting residents of all ages to attend her annual Family Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, Aug. 3.

“Every year I hold this event, and every year we make it bigger. This is an expensive time of year as parents prepare kids to go back to school, which is why we offer health services and school supplies all at no cost,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This event helps make sure every family has the resources they need for their health and well-being while having fun along the way.”

Hunter’s 20th annual Family Health and Fitness Fair will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus in Siegel Field north of S.R. Crown Hall at 33rd and State streets. Students heading back to school can receive a free school physical from St. Bernard’s Mobile Health Unit with a parent or guardian present, a haircut compliments of the Kenny Williams-Dudley Beauty College, and take home a book bag full of school supplies.

This large event will feature free health screenings, including kidney and diabetes screenings from the National Kidney Foundation, eye exams from the Illinois Eye Institute and Illinois College of Optometry, and dental screenings from Roseland Dental. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office will be on site offering state IDs and vehicle plate stickers for applicable fees, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office will provide free electronics recycling and medicine disposal. Entertainment will be provided by the Jesse White Tumblers and Fre2Dance Line Dancers.

For more information, call Senator Hunter’s office at 312-949-1908.