Hunter to Rauner: This is your state, too

SPRINGFIELD — Senate Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following in response to today’s State of the State address:

“The governor needs to realize these problems are his problems, too.

“Residents who work hard every day, providing for their families, are waiting for real answers.

“I want to work with the governor. However, his actions aren’t keeping up with his rhetoric. Cutting $7 million from at-risk youth employment grants doesn’t make our state competitive. Nor, is it compassionate.

“We need to find common ground solutions. Paying people less and cutting services just doesn’t add up to me.”

Illinois a freedom leader: Hunter

Illinois ushered a new chapter of American history by being the first state to ban slavery 150 years ago. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement to honor Illinois’ role in freeing African Americans. The Illinois Senate commemorated the 150th anniversary of banning slavery in the U.S. in the Senate Chamber with speeches.

Illinois led the movement to end slavery 150 years ago. We transformed our country’s landscape by championing the Emancipation Proclamation and being first to ratify the 13th Amendment.

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Hunter hopes Rauner lives up to compassionate, competitive IL promise

CHICAGO — Senate Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter urges Gov. Bruce Rauner to keep his promise to make Illinois compassionate and competitive by protecting youth employment opportunities for low-income residents. Hunter released the following statement in support of a Father Michael L. Pfleger-led rally outside the Thompson Center today. Pfleger is protesting cuts to youth employment programs.

“Governor Rauner promised to make Illinois competitive and compassionate. I am asking that he lives up to these promises. Turning our backs on young people, especially from underserved communities, will not turn our state around,” Hunter said.

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Senate Democrats react to new youth joblessness report

CHICAGO — Elected officials met Friday at the Chicago Urban League to discuss teen joblessness. Senate Democrats expressed concerns about a recent report stating Chicago has a 90 percent black teen unemployment rate.

“Unemployment has hit Chicago hard; however, it is unacceptable that over 90 percent of our black teens are jobless. Creating year-long job programs can put our teens back to work,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip.

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