CHICAGO — Illinois is seeing a surge in opioid-related deaths in 2020, already doubling last year’s amounts in Cook County. The state received more than $36 million in federal funding in order to fight the opioid crisis Friday, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is hopeful these new funds will help equip Illinoisans with the resources to fight substance abuse.

“Many people don’t understand that drug abuse and drug addictions are a disease,” Hunter said. “It’s important to take all the necessary steps to prevent addiction early. There are people battling the global health crisis, racism, and opioid addictions all at the same time. Now more than ever, people need help fighting the disease of addiction, just as they would need help fighting cancer or any other disease.”

SPRINGFIELD — After a Senate hearing Thursday about transparency and equity at the Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT and other members of the Mid-America Association of State Transportation Agencies voted to establish a diversity committee. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) praised the decision in the following statement:

“For years, we’ve heard serious complaints about acts of discrimination at IDOT. Thursday, we gave Secretary Omer Osman the opportunity to respond to these allegations, and I’m happy to see that he’s taken them seriously.

“The establishment of this diversity committee is a start, but it will not be enough to fix the issues on its own. I’m looking forward to seeing policies that result in us hearing less and less discrimination complaints.

“I hope to see the organization implement more opportunities for people of color statewide, both in employment and mobility.”

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is joining advocate groups and Alderman Jeanette Taylor in calls to make the childhood home of Emmett Till a landmark on the 65th anniversary of his death.

“Emmett’s unjust death parallels many today – George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and too many others to count,” Hunter said. “Emmett received no justice for being murdered senselessly, just as others we’ve seen this year that are still waiting for justice. This is why we proclaim, ‘Black Lives Matter’ – because the justice system hasn’t shown us that they do.”

CHICAGO — In an effort to help local families in need, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) partnered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Chicago food dispensaries, and State Representative Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) to host a cooking demonstration and tasting event in the Englewood neighborhood last Friday.

“Many people are struggling to make ends meet and to feed their families during the public health crisis,” Hunter said. “I will do anything I can to help families in what may be the most challenging times of their lives.”