CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) was one of nearly a hundred witnesses to speak against the closure of Mercy Hospital during Tuesday’s Health and Facilities Review Board meeting. Hunter is pleased that after several hours of testimony, the board voted to reject the closure of Mercy Hospital.

“I am proud that there was an abundance of support from the community to keep Mercy open,” Hunter said. “For months, we have been calling for Mercy to stay open so that Bronzeville residents would have reliable care in the middle of this pandemic. I am so pleased the board voted in the community’s best interest.”

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CHICAGO – Following a year of social isolation for many, especially the older population, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is trying to spread holiday cheer by encouraging city residents to send cards to seniors in long-term care facilities.

“Due to COVID-19, there are so many people who will spend this holiday season alone,” Hunter said. “I am saddened that I cannot have my annual senior brunch, so collecting holiday cards is a simple way to let our seniors know that they’re cared for during this peculiar season.”

Hunter is encouraging residents district wide to donate cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, in hopes of putting a smile on an older adult’s face. Hunter will deliver the cards to long-term care facilities and nursing homes in the 3rd District.

“If you are able, please consider writing and donating a letter,” Hunter said. Children and adults are all invited to participate. It only takes a few minutes to help give someone a happier holiday.”

Senator Hunter’s office is currently closed due to COVID-19, however, cards can be delivered to Hunter’s Chicago office, located at 2929 S. Wabash Ave. Suite 102 using the mail-slot on the left hand side of the door. Holiday cards will be collected through Sunday, Dec. 20.

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

CHICAGO – As the holiday season begins and the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many families are not able to afford delicious, healthy meals. To help bring some cheer this holiday season, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) partnered with Meridian Health, U.N.I.O.N. Impact and Centennial Missionary Baptist Church to give back to the Southside community by helping families put good, healthy food on their tables.

“The winter holiday season is always a time to exude the spirit of giving,” Hunter said. “This winter, as so many are dealing with unemployment and loss, it is especially important that we make sure our residents are cared for.”

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CHICAGO – During Thursday’s joint Senate hearing on age, equity, workers’ rights and consumer protection, Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advocated for increased protection among minority workers and consumers.

The U.S. Department of Labor in October released a wage report for the third quarter of this year, revealing that Black workers on average earn 72% of what white men earn. Broken down by gender, Black men earn 77.5% of what white men earn, while Black women make only 68.5%. In Chicago specifically, wage gaps grew significantly over the last several decades, causing what UIC researchers call “a growing exodus” of Black Chicagoans.

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