Senate Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) took the oath of office today to begin a new four-year term representing the 3rd Senate District. She issued the following statement:

“I am proud to have the continued opportunity to serve the residents of the 3rd Senate District. We face challenges this year but I will continue fighting for public health, reforming the Department of Children and Family Services and making sure our criminal justice system is fair,” Hunter said.

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement welcoming new Gov. Bruce Rauner to office and applauding outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn on his accomplishments in office.

“Governor Pat Quinn dedicated nearly a decade to promoting equality for African Americans, women and the LGBT communities. He has worked to improve the quality of life for struggling families and helped Illinois become as progressive as it is today. I will miss his contributions to our state,” said Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip.

State elected officials heard testimony this week regarding abuses at DCFS residential facilities. The Joint Senate and House Committee hearing is to be the first of several such hearings, a move led by Senate Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

"We made strides by inviting everyone from the agency director to the children the agency serves to discuss this issue from all sides. This was just the beginning. We will hold several hearings until we find legislative solutions to radically change DCFS," Hunter said.

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Steve Pemberton, author and Walgreens executive, received the Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) Leadership award for being a consistent champion for addiction treatment and fair criminal justice policies.

Hunter described the challenges Illinois is facing, including the struggle to promote equality in the criminal justice system and highlighted some of the successful legislative partnerships between her and TASC.