CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement following the Supreme Court confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

“I attended the first U.S. Senate Confirmation Hearing for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, and it was a historic event. I was sad to see that throughout the coming days, many treated her as though she was on trial for her Blackness and not one of the most qualified candidates for the position.

“Despite many hours of being belittled and tried, Justice Jackson held her head high with dignity and grace. Now that she is officially confirmed as a justice, I know she will carry her gavel with the same prowess.

“Judge Jackson is history in the making—this is only the beginning for her and a new era for the country as a whole.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) led a measure to establish the first day of April 2022 as day of remembrance and honor for those who have lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic and front-line workers.

“This pandemic has taken so much from us, including many of our loved ones,” Hunter said. “I want to ensure that those who lost their lives to COVID-19 are recognized and remembered.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to create the Real Estate Valuation Task Force to combat discrimination in the housing industry passed the Senate Thursday.

“Discrimination in the housing industry goes back decades, and it has yet to be rectified today,” Hunter said. “Black and Brown people won’t have a fair chance at renting and owning a home until discrimination is addressed on a systemic level.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to protect access to low cost prescription drugs passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Prescription drugs are a health need for a lot of people, and therefore, they should be more affordable and easier to access,” Hunter said. “We must ensure that people don’t go broke trying to keep themselves healthy.”