In 2011, wrongful convictions cost Illinois taxpayers $214 million and the falsely accused a combined 926 years in prison. The Illinois Senate approved a good government measure to create transparency in the grand jury process.

“Wrongful convictions erode the public’s trust in our criminal justice system. Transparency is the only way to restore faith in this process,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, the plan’s sponsor.

In 2011, Illinois had the third largest number of youth in the U.S. who aged out of foster care at 21 percent, according to Northwestern University. The same year, University of Chicago reported that those young people face challenges including unemployment, homelessness and incarceration.

A plan from State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to create internship opportunities for youth who have aged out of Illinois’ foster care system has passed the Illinois Senate and House.

A new measure that could help protect children’s rights during guardianship battles passed the Illinois General Assembly.

“Children need stable households while growing up. Constant relocation within and outside of the state disrupts the child’s life,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, sponsor of the bill.

Today, the University of Chicago, located on Chicago’s South Side, won the bid for the future Barack Obama Presidential Center. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is pleased the president selected his home city for his library.

“President Obama’s legacy will inspire youth across Chicago to aim for the highest offices,” said Hunter, a former colleague of then-State Senator Obama.