CHICAGO-- Joined by fellow lawmakers and members of the Chicago Teachers Union Wednesday morning, State Senators Mattie Hunter and Jacqueline Collins and Mattie Hunter voiced their opposition to a move by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to shutter four schools in the Englewood neighborhood.

“As legislators, this is a slap in the face,” Hunter said. “The mayor’s office and Chicago Public Schools did not involve us in these conversations. We’ve worked extremely hard in Springfield to bring resources back to Chicago to educate our children. This governor has made a clear attempt to limit the resources we send to Chicago, and we’ve done our best to save our students. Deciding to close our schools, after all we have done for CPS is unacceptable; our children deserve better than this!”

Speaking from City Hall in Chicago, the group called on the community, city residents and other elected officials to join them in opposing the destabilization and disinvestment of public schools.

“I stand alongside my colleagues, united in disappointment and outrage as, once again, Mayor Emanuel chooses to pull the rug out from under our public schools,” Collins said. “Years of negotiations in the General Assembly finally came to fruition this year when Democrats and Republicans rejected politics, embraced compromise, and came together to make a fairer system for our children. It is unconscionable that after a season of uncertainty that thankfully ended in a more equitable funding model for Chicago schools, Englewood now finds itself completely stripped of local high schools.”

 SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on the Senate’s action to address the culture of sexual harassment in Springfield:

“I strongly believe that as a legislative body we need to ensure there is a safe process for individuals to report sexual harassment. Sexual harassment should not be tolerated under any circumstance. Reported claims should not be swept under the rug and harassers should, absolutely, be held accountable for their actions. I think this legislation is a step in the right direction and I look forward to seeing what the taskforce presents moving forward.”

“I commend Walgreens for their efforts to tackle this disastrous opioid epidemic in not only the state but the entire country. Storing Narcan in store will make the drug easily accessible for families and caregivers to help their loved ones in the time of crisis. This epidemic has gone on for too long and this is a step in the right direction.“The people who are struggling with opioid abuse and oaddiction do not need punishment – they need our help.”

CHICAGO – According to a statement provided by Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emmanuel, shootings in Englewood have dropped 43 percent this year. There have been 130 fewer shootings in the community than this time last year. State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement:

“Since the summer, it has been my goal to create safe zones for children and families within the Greater Chicago area. I know what it’s like first-hand to lose a family member to gun violence, and my heart aches for families that experience similar trauma.

The best way to keep youth off the streets and out of trouble is to engage them in activities and programs that encourage community involvement and life skills. This will put our youth on the path to success rather than roads to destruction.

While we are moving in a positive direction, it is my hope to strengthen my efforts by building a partnership with the Chicago Police Department to secure safety in and around the community in order to decrease devastating statistics.”