In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let us honor his memory by restoring and preserving the sense of family in our communities. Let us work together to ensure our neighborhoods are safer and stronger tomorrow than they are today. Let us provide services for the vulnerable and create fair, equal opportunities for all Americans to have a safe home, a good job and a hope for a prosperous future.

CHICAGO – In the wake of the latest police shooting in Chicago, Sen. Mattie Hunter is calling for legislation to require Chicago’s police department to increase crisis intervention training and availability and use of non-lethal devices, such as Tasers.

“Every police car should be equipped with a Taser or similar, non-lethal device.  We are seeing tragic incidents of people shot and killed when no one’s life is at risk. Lethal force should be a last resort, not a first response. In this day and age, alternative resources and technology exist that should be utilized,” said Hunter.

In addition to expanded availability of non-lethal devices, Hunter wants additional crisis intervention training for officers and dispatchers so responding officers are better prepared for handling situations involving domestic violence and people with mental health issues.

CHICAGO – In response to University of Chicago’s announcement of a $40 million investment in expanding their hospital to include a Level 1 trauma center on Chicago’s South Side, Sen. Mattie Hunter released the following statement:

“Chicago’s South Side is long overdue for a level 1 trauma center. While I am glad the University of Chicago is invested in our community, this is only the first step. Residents in Englewood and farther south west still need resources for trauma care,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, who has stood at the forefront of this issue. “I hope the medical community will continue to invest in facilities that will help all of our residents.”

Families from around Chicago gathered for the third annual National Vigil for Violence Prevention on Friday. Senator Mattie Hunter joined them in praying and standing up against violence in their neighborhoods.

“We must fight to win this war against crime, violence and apathy. There are no easy solutions, only hard choices about what we will and will not accept in our community,” said Hunter of the 3rd Senate District.