SPRINGFIELD – At least 17 people were killed and 41 others wounded, including four teenagers, an eighth-grade student and twin 17-year-old boys, making it Chicago’s deadliest weekend of the year. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) released the following statement:

 “Our communities are in pain and instead of uniting, we find ourselves battling one another for survival. But if we continue to kill each other, who will uphold our legacies? It is disheartening to watch communities suffer at the hand of gun violence. I feel we, governmental officials, are not doing enough to work with troubled families. Chicago residents are in dire need of access to mental health services, substance abuse centers, after-school programs for youth and more employment opportunities for adults. Tirelessly, I will work this upcoming session to ensure we get a handle on the violence that’s killing our future by bringing the resources we need to our communities.”

On Saturday, October 15, Senator Hunter spoke at the Lincoln Park Chicago Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction and Akarama Foundation's joint Women's Conference. Sen. Hunter explained her role as a woman in leadership and politics. She highlighted her advocacy for women and children's rights while also expressing the importance of women empowerment.

"Women’s representation in leadership or political office is important because it empowers other women. Women empowerment serves as a tool that increases strength and develops confidence among all women. Still today the economy suffers because of the unequal opportunity for women in the workplace. Although we face many challenges, it is still necessary to achieve gender parity within governance," said Sen. Hunter.

This year marks the 10th year Illinois has offered residents the instant scratch-off game, which funds community and research grants to fight breast cancer and promote breast cancer awareness.

This program enables advocates to stand up and say they are committed to fighting breast cancer by helping fund research and treatment for the victims.

In 2005, then-Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) sponsored Senate Bill 1 to create the Ticket for the Cure, which was a democratic initiative with bipartisan support. This ticket marked the first time in US Lottery history where 100 percent of proceeds supported programs and research initiatives that would help diagnose and treat the deadly disease.

That means 100 percent of the funds raised from this initiative are awarded to not-for-profit institutes and organizations to help Illinois women and their families.

The Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure Grant Fund revenue is distributed to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Since 2006, the IDPH has awarded almost $7 million in grants to community organizations and approximately $2.5 million in breast cancer research grants.

"Leading this initiative has been one of my proudest accomplishments and one that has succeeded beyond our initial planning. I stand here today asking you to encourage your family, friends and neighbors to continue supporting this amazing cause by purchasing the Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure lottery tickets and to continue fighting breast cancer in other ways. Together we will find a cure," said Sen. Hunter.

CHICAGO–  The University of Chicago will open its first trauma center on the city’s South Side. The university broke ground Sept. 15 as city and state leaders announced the benefits of the location being on the university’s campus. The new unit is expected to save lives and create 1,000 permanent jobs for students and Chicago-area residents.

The project was announced in September when the university originally pledged to help open a trauma center at Holy Cross Hospital. In addition to the trauma center, the layout proposal included the construction of a larger emergency room and an expansion plan to the current cancer treatment facility.

“For years, residents have been forced to travel to the suburbs and other areas for quality care,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).  “It’s important that trauma patients are transported to the right hospitals where they can be properly treated. Due to the extremely high levels of violence in many communities around the city’s South Side, I’m hopeful the new center will save lives and provide services to those who need immediate medical attention.”