SPRINGFIELD — Despite research indicating improved stability and emotional well-being for children placed with relative caregivers, over 60% of these caregivers in Illinois are denied the financial support received by unrelated foster care parents. To address this disparity, State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a measure through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday aimed at removing barriers and strengthening kinship care.

“We know children are more likely to thrive when they remain connected to their families and culture,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “However, many relatives who step into the caregiver role — often at a moment’s notice — face significant financial challenges.”

House Bill 4781 — also known as the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act — aims to reinforce family connections and improve outcomes for children in foster care. The bill would strengthen family engagement by requiring the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to notify relatives within 30 days of a child’s entry into care.

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Representative Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) issued the following joint statement after the closure of PepsiCo’s Back of the Yards plant:

“On Monday, Oct. 28, workers at the PepsiCo plant on 51st Street in Back of the Yards were blindsided by the company’s abrupt decision to shutter the facility and immediately lay off employees — some of whom had worked there for 45 years, were nearing a retirement or are sole providers for families with children and people with disabilities.

“Illinois law requires that both workers and state and local governments be given 60 days’ notice of plant closings or mass layoffs. PepsiCo claims it complied with applicable legal requirements, but how can that be the case if the workers, state and city had no advance warning?

“To the workers: We’re sorry this is happening to you, but you are not alone. We see you, and so does your government. We will be looking into this, and if laws were violated, we will push for the applicable remedies to be applied.”

Affected workers in need of assistance can contact Senator Hunter’s office at 312-949-1908 or Representative Harper’s office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHICAGO — With the support of State Senator Mattie Hunter, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced $15 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development program, including more than $2 million awarded to five organizations within the 3rd Senate District.

“For many people, a workforce training program is the key to landing a stable job and achieving financial stability,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “From helping people find jobs, to offering the education and support needed to maintain employment, these organizations play a vital role in our community.”

The Job Training and Economic Development program provides workforce training and wraparound services to help bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. Funds from this program aim to address the economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented who have one or more barriers to employment that are identified as risk factors.

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrated her 20th Family Health and Fitness Fair this month, empowering residents with free health screenings and streamlined access to local and state services.

"When I hosted my first health fair 20 years ago, it was a small event in a parking lot. We saw about 20 people show up,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Now we’ve partnered with Illinois Institute of Technology, using a large, visible outdoor space with more vendors inside. We’ve been able to help thousands of residents over the years achieve better health through education and resources, all while having fun.”

A champion of health-related legislation, Hunter prioritizes bringing lifesaving health screenings into the community, making them free and accessible to those who are often underserved. The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois stationed its KidneyMobile at the health fair, screening 31 individuals for early signs of kidney disease and diabetes. Students prepared to go back to school with free school physicals offered by St. Bernard Hospital’s Mobile Health Unit, as well as dental exams from Roseland Dental and eye exams from the Illinois Eye Institute and Illinois College of Optometry.