SPRINGFIELD – A 2019 Dove study found that African American women face the highest rates of hair discrimination and are more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) introduced legislation to end that practice in Illinois.

“No one should have to miss out on a job opportunity or miss a school graduation because of the hair that grows naturally out of their head,” Hunter said. “It’s 2022. As a nation, we should be past this petty discrimination.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advanced a measure from the Senate Pensions Committee on Wednesday to address the teacher shortage in Chicago Public Schools.

“This teacher shortage is affecting schools nationally as well as in our state,” Hunter said. “We must do everything we can to ensure qualified teachers are in the classrooms so that our children can get the education they deserve.”

SPRINGFIELD – After the death of Deidre Silas, a caseworker for the Department of Child and Family Services, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) introduced legislation to increase protections for child protection workers.

“Deidre’s death was a devastating loss, and unfortunately cases like hers are not unique,” Hunter said. “Caseworkers entering situations that could lead to violence must have enhanced protections.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State address:

“I am pleased that the governor’s plan is leaving room for additional COVID-19 relief, as we are entering the third year of the pandemic. We have done a lot of work to create equity in the health care sector, and I am ready to see the execution of those initiatives. I am also excited for further funding in our state’s health care and human services programs.

“I am glad to see funding toward business and developmental recovery are reflected in the governor’s plan. Small businesses will need continued support, which in turn will benefit our communities as a whole.

“I’m confident this proposal points us in the right direction as the state continues to recuperate from COVID-19 and move forward towards equity across social programs.”