SPRINGFIELD – A new law passed by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) will help provide opportunities for small farmers and community organizers to create urban agriculture zones where communities can grow food for themselves and combat food deserts.

The Senate voted to override the governor’s veto of House Bill 3418 today, which allows counties or municipalities to create urban agriculture zones composed of organizations or individuals who grow produce or other agricultural products, raise or process livestock or poultry or whose stock is a minimum of 75 percent locally grown.

“This bill was about offering support to urban farmers and empowering them to grow their own healthy foods,” Hunter said. “I am glad we now have the ability to help urban farmers grow and supply fresh, local food to communities that need extra support in Chicago.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) spoke on the Senate floor today in response to the tragic shooting at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago on Nov. 29. Hunter read the names of the victims and the Senate observed a moment of silence in honor of those killed in the shooting:

"I rise to speak today with a heavy heart for my community of Bronzeville, where on Monday afternoon, November 19^th, a man showed up at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and opened fire on his former fiancée before turning the gun on others, killing the woman, a police offer and a bystander.

"In a matter of minutes, the city of Chicago lost an emergency room doctor, Dr. Tamara O’Neal, a pharmaceutical assistant, Dayna Less and a police officer, Samuel Jimenez, who were all going about their day, all doing what they loved.

CHICAGO—State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on the shooting at Mercy Hospital in Chicago yesterday:

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the horrific shooting at Mercy Hospital in Bronzeville yesterday. I am praying for all those who were affected. To the families of the victims—I cannot even begin to fathom the pain you are experiencing, but please know that our community is here for you.

“My heart aches for the loss of Dr. Tamara O’Neal and Dayna Less who have selflessly dedicated their lives to healing others. I am always thankful for the heroic actions of the men and women of the Chicago Police Department but heartbroken for the loss of one of their own. Officer Samuel Jimenez rushed into danger to save lives. He will always be remembered as a true hero. There is absolutely no room for gun violence in our communities, especially not when it occurs in the healing space of a hospital.

“May the souls of these innocent lives lost rest in peace.”