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.”

CHICAGO – Hundreds of South Side Chicago businesses have been awarded more than $5 million in funding from the Back to Business Program to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to efforts from State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

“I am pleased so many businesses are receiving a boost to help them flourish through the ongoing pandemic,” Hunter said. “Over 100 businesses in the 3rd District have been awarded Back to Business grants, including coffee shops like Sip and Savor, which brings the community together one beverage at a time.”

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CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) announced today that several pre-apprenticeship programs in the 3rd District have received a combined $2.7 million in investments.

The investment will support pre-apprenticeship programs, reduce barriers to entry and increase diversity in the construction trades for underrepresented populations.

“I am glad that these pre-apprenticeship programs are getting much needed investments in order to supplement their developmental needs and foster real diversity and inclusion,” Hunter said. “These investments not only support our local organizations and workers, but our economy as well.”

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CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the death of DCFS specialist Diedre Silas:

“I am absolutely devastated by the loss of Diedre, an incredible person dedicated to protecting our children. She was a remarkable person and worker and she will surely be missed. Though her death was tragic, I will always remember her for the bright soul that she was. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, and I pray they receive justice for her untimely passing.

“Sadly, this isn’t the first DCFS child protection worker who was attacked and murdered on the job. That’s why I will be introducing legislation that will protect employees from these kind of dangers.”