SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s State of the State address, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) released the following statement:

“The governor has once again promised to make Illinois compassionate and competitive but we’re still waiting for his actions to match his rhetoric. In today’s address, the governor did not mention the crisis facing youth unemployment.

Black and brown youth, especially our young men, are suffering from joblessness due to the lack of opportunity around the state.

It is criminal of the governor to stand in front of the legislative body touting business development while his agenda fails to include job opportunities for young minorities.

We have seen unemployment numbers increase over the years, but Governor Rauner has not made the necessary changes to improve the lives of all youth. We are going to have to fix this problem ourselves because this governor has failed to lead.”