Sen. Hunter addresses heroin and opioid epidemic with a skillful plan

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) announced a new plan to tackle the heroin and opioid epidemic spreading across the state. State officials, community leaders and families joined Sen. Hunter to share their experiences while working to help those struggling with substance abuse.

"As a certified substance abuse counselor I’ve had the opportunity to work as a support system for those struggling with drug addiction,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter. “I recognize the importance of teaching individuals how to modify their behavior with the intention of full recovery to prevent relapse which sometimes results in death. I’m hopeful that while working with previous taskforces and professionals in the medical field we can together we will find a solution to the problem plaguing our communities."

With the plan, Hunter hopes to identify common problems across the state and practical legislation that might diminish, if not solve, those problems.

Watch the full press conference here.

Hunter votes in favor of automatic voter registration

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter voted to override a measure that could increase youth participation in state elections. Senate Bill 250 creates an automatic voter registration for Illinoisans.

Under current law, Illinois has an opt-in voter registration system where the default status is unregistered. The burden is with individual voters to register. Earlier this session, the governor vetoed the legislation, causing the bill to return this fall.

"I’m hopeful the legislation’s new revisions will gain the governor’s support and become law. Increasing youth voter participation will allow a necessary voice in our political system,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), a career advocate for youth rights. “Making it easier for residents to vote, especially young people, is important because our youth will eventually be the leaders of this state and country.”

Senate Bill 250 will streamline the voter registration in a cost-effective and easy manner, giving unregistered voters who wish to opt out the opportunity to do so.

Hunter: If we continue to kill each other, who will uphold our legacies?

SPRINGFIELD – At least 17 people were killed and 41 others wounded, including four teenagers, an eighth-grade student and twin 17-year-old boys, making it Chicago’s deadliest weekend of the year. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) released the following statement:

 “Our communities are in pain and instead of uniting, we find ourselves battling one another for survival. But if we continue to kill each other, who will uphold our legacies? It is disheartening to watch communities suffer at the hand of gun violence. I feel we, governmental officials, are not doing enough to work with troubled families. Chicago residents are in dire need of access to mental health services, substance abuse centers, after-school programs for youth and more employment opportunities for adults. Tirelessly, I will work this upcoming session to ensure we get a handle on the violence that’s killing our future by bringing the resources we need to our communities.”

Senator Hunter speaks at Women in Leadership Conference

On Saturday, October 15, Senator Hunter spoke at the Lincoln Park Chicago Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction and Akarama Foundation's joint Women's Conference. Sen. Hunter explained her role as a woman in leadership and politics. She highlighted her advocacy for women and children's rights while also expressing the importance of women empowerment.

"Women’s representation in leadership or political office is important because it empowers other women. Women empowerment serves as a tool that increases strength and develops confidence among all women. Still today the economy suffers because of the unequal opportunity for women in the workplace. Although we face many challenges, it is still necessary to achieve gender parity within governance," said Sen. Hunter.