SPRINGFIELD – In response to the governor’s State of the State address, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) released the following statement:

“The governor has once again promised to make Illinois compassionate and competitive but we’re still waiting for his actions to match his rhetoric. In today’s address, the governor did not mention the crisis facing youth unemployment.

Black and brown youth, especially our young men, are suffering from joblessness due to the lack of opportunity around the state.

It is criminal of the governor to stand in front of the legislative body touting business development while his agenda fails to include job opportunities for young minorities.

We have seen unemployment numbers increase over the years, but Governor Rauner has not made the necessary changes to improve the lives of all youth. We are going to have to fix this problem ourselves because this governor has failed to lead.”

CHICAGO – In response to the guilty verdict in the death of Willie and John Lee Hunter, Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement.

“I’m relieved that there’s been justice for my two nephews. This verdict brings closure for my family but also reminds me as a state senator the need to continue my efforts to reduce the devastating effects of gun violence in Chicago. What happened to my nephews drives me to support gun violence prevention, improving the educational system and increasing afterschool opportunities for youth. I hope that no family ever has to feel the pain of losing a loved one to violence. Together, we must all commit to changing the community culture of crime, death and despair.”

Senator Hunter’s nephews, Willie Lee Hunter and his younger brother John Lee Hunter were shot to death while visiting Chicago over the Fourth of July weekend in 2015.