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.

Unemployed and foster Illinois youth could soon find relief thanks to a new jobs plan sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). The Illinois Senate passed the measure 42-10 today.

“Financial hardships pressure young people to find a job. Youth are going to find ways to survive regardless, whether it’s working for a business or on the streets. Our job is to create constructive options to uplift our most at-risk residents,” Sen. Hunter said.

Alice Tregay, a Chicago-native civil rights leader, passed away this weekend. State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement in honor of her memory and history of marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of civil rights activist and champion of voter education, Alice Tregay. Alice marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and fought Chicago school segregation throughout her career.

“During the 1990s, Alice and I joined marchers in Washington D.C. to demand Congress and the White House create jobs. Alice always stood up in the face of adversity for equality, for uplifting the common person and fighting against racism.

“Another solider has gone home. Her legacy will never be forgotten.”

Cardinal Francis George, an intellectual and religious leader in Chicago passed today at the age of 78 after battling cancer. State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement to honor his memory and lasting influence within the city:

“Cardinal Francis George was a beacon of hope and peace in Chicago. I am deeply saddened by his loss and my thoughts and prayers rest with his family.”