Senator Hunter: Too many communities of color are struggling with unemployment

To address the growing number of out-of-school and jobless youth in Illinois, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) passed legislation that would create a statewide task force to develop programs and opportunities for this rapidly increasing population.

“We have failed our young people,” said Hunter. “We need to further our support for programs that will help keep our youth active and ones that will put them to meaningful work, especially youth in communities where their only other option is to turn to the streets.”

The University of Illinois at Chicago released a report in 2016 that states there were 190,945 youth and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 years old who were jobless and not in school in Illinois. In other reports, black teens in Chicago aged 16 to 19 are 88 percent unemployed. In Chicago, 85 percent of Hispanic teens in the same age range are unemployed compared to 71 percent nationwide.

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Hunter: Drug, alcohol testing should follow all officer-involved shootings

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

The initiative aims to improve credibility in police department investigations. It would require officers to submit drug and alcohol test results no later than one hour after a shooting.

“Whether these attacks were targeted or unfortunate accidents, this policy will hold law enforcement accountable for the frequent tragedies of deadly force,” Hunter said.

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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.