Majority Caucus Whip State Sen. Mattie Hunter released the following statement in response to the governor’s recent decision to sign law regulating hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” in Illinois:

“I continue to stand in complete opposition to policy regulating ‘fracking’ in Illinois. Early on this past session I presented legislation establishing a moratorium to keep anyone from conducting high-volume hydraulic fracturing in our state and putting a task force in place to make sure we take enough time to thoroughly consider this critical issue.

I still believe we should establish a moratorium and task force to gain greater understanding of how ‘fracking’ will affect Illinois’ drinking water and environment. Water safety is extremely important for our communities and state, which is why I continue to maintain that there should be more time permitted to truly evaluate the consequences of ‘fracking.’

Majority Caucus Whip State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) was recently inducted as a member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Hall of Fame.

A 1982 graduate with a Master’s Degree in Sociology, Hunter expressed her sincere gratitude for the recognition by her alma mater.

“I am truly appreciative that Jackson State has chosen to induct me into their National Alumni Hall of Fame this year,” Hunter said. “I am proud to carry on and form part of the rich legacy of academic and career excellence of this exceptional Historically Black College and University.”  

The fourth largest state-supported higher education institution and the largest HBCU in Mississippi, Jackson State University was founded in 1877 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society. Jackson State ranks number one nationwide in respect to federally funded research among HBCUs.

Majority Caucus Whip State Sen. Mattie Hunter released the following statement in respect to the recent passage of legislation establishing regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”:

“I stand in complete opposition to this measure and the advancement of policy to regulate fracking in Illinois. I early on this session presented legislation establishing a moratorium to keep anyone from realizing high-volume hydraulic fracturing in our state and putting a task force in place to make sure we take enough time to consider this critical issue thoroughly. My colleague, Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), made a valiant attempt to institute such a moratorium with Senate Bill 630 but fell short. I commend my fellow senator on his efforts and stand with him in continuing my resolve that we should halt fracking practices and allow for a task force to complete concrete, comprehensive evaluation of this highly controversial industry moving further.”

House Bill 1715, the effort regulating the practice of high-volume hydraulic fracturing in Illinois, is approved by the General Assembly and advances to the governor.

Majority Caucus Whip State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) explains her no vote on Senate Bill 1:

“I am proud of my fellow General Assembly members in making the tough but right decision to reject SB 1. We must and can fix our pension issues, but not in a way that breeches the constitution, harms our dedicated state workers.”

SB 1 failed with a vote of 16 to 42.