CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is mourning the death of Rev. Otis Anderson of the Cathedral Missionary Baptist Church, who passed away late last month at the age of 87.

“Rev. Anderson was a strong tower of God and a blessing to all who knew him,” Hunter said. “He always had a strong, abiding faith in God, and that faith was demonstrated in the way he seized each day and lived life to its fullest. He loved his church and church community more than life itself. Even during times of physical difficulty, Rev. Anderson kept his focus and did not complain.”

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 has not cut Medicaid and other health service areas, while even increasing spending on some human services. After the hard year we’ve endured, it is vital that our health care and human services are properly funded. January was the deadliest month in the entire pandemic, with disproportionate deaths in Black communities.

“One reason Black people are more susceptible to COVID-19 is because many of our communities lack access to quality, affordable care. Communities still need proper transportation and better care that the working class and underprivileged can afford.

“The quality of health care you receive should not be determined by your race, income or region. Quality, affordable health care should be recognized as a right for all. We need to continue to rethink and reshape the leadership of our state’s health care, leading with diversity, inclusion, and justice at the center.”

CHICAGO – The 2021 Department of Children and Family Services Scholarship Program is now open, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging youth in care to apply.

“I worked hard to expand this scholarship program, and the program can help dozens of youth after an extremely difficult year,” Hunter said. “This scholarship allows students to focus on their studies, rather than carry the burden of paying for their education.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) sponsored a food giveaway in Chicago with Imagine Englewood If and Volunteers of America Illinois Friday afternoon.

“We are still in a pandemic, and many people are trying to keep their heads above water, so we like to give back whenever we can,” Hunter said. “So many people are struggling worse than before as they continue to lack food, PPE, and relief from COVID-19.”

From 1-3 p.m., representatives from Senator Hunter’s office gave away masks, hand sanitizer and groceries containing produce and non-perishables to over 150 families.