CROWN Act to take effect Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter to end hair discrimination in the workplace will be implemented at the start of the new year.

“Hair discrimination has no place in this day and age,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “As a country, we should be past people missing out on job opportunities because of the way their hair grows out of their head, and this law will provide protections from such discrimination.”

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Hunter disappointed that CROWN Act will not advance nationwide

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement after The CROWN Act failed to pass on the federal level:

“As the lead sponsor for the CROWN Act in Illinois, I am extremely disappointed that the U.S. Senate did not see fit to pass this bill. It’s shameful that the federal government is being insensitive to Black American culture and our naturally grown hair.

“Many of us still face discrimination over the way we wear our hair, and studies have proven it to be a systemic disadvantage for Black Americans in professional and educational spaces.

“Illinois has outlawed this petty discrimination, and it will go into effect Jan. 1. I am frustrated that our nation cannot do the same.”

Members of Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force announce official launch

CHICAGO – Members of the Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force held a press conference Tuesday at the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois facility to increase awareness around prevention and treatment of the disease that affects 37 million Americans.

"Kidney disease is of the utmost importance here in Illinois. An estimated 1.4 million Illinoisans are affected and only around 177,000 of them are aware of it,” said National Kidney Foundation of Illinois CEO Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop. “Raised awareness and early detection of chronic kidney disease and its risk factors — including diabetes and hypertension — can help prevent the disease from developing or progressing."

Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States, with uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure as the leading causes. Black Americans are four times more likely to develop kidney disease.

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Hunter mourns the loss of Senator Bennett  

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement after the passing of her respected colleague State Senator Scott Bennett, who she worked closely with on the Executive Appointments Committee: 

“The unexpected news of Senator Bennett’s passing is incredibly saddening. He was a wonderful colleague who loved his job. He was a natural at it all, and he always had ideas on how to make a bill stronger. In just seven years, he made a great name for himself in the Senate. 

“As the chair of the Higher Education Committee, and member of many other committees, he was a very passionate and active professional whose work will live on. He was dedicated to the betterment of his constituency, impacting his community and Illinois at large.

“More than that, he was funny, charismatic and genuine. He adored his wife Stacey and children, and my prayers are with them at this time.”