Early Monday morning, State Representative Esther Golar (D-Chicago, 6) passed away. Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago, 3), who joined close friends with keeping an around-the-clock vigil for the past several weeks in her hospital room, released the following statement in memory of the remarkable woman.

“Representative Esther Golar was not only my colleague, but my dear friend. She was a genuine no nonsense person who looked out for the best interests of her district, Chicago and our state.

We sponsored many pieces of legislation together, such as funding for after school programs, summer jobs for youth, education funding and criminal justice reform.

With true commitment, loyalty and dedication, Esther loved to express her thoughts of feeling in song. I always referred to her as the ‘singing legislator,’ which I think will always be how we remember her.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. She will be missed not only in Springfield, but across her district, as well.”

South Side Chicagoans may soon access timely trauma care thanks to joint efforts between community leaders and lawmakers encouraging the medical community to address years of protest.

"This is a big win for the South Side. Years of protest and state hearings have helped this come into fruition," said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who spearheaded a first-of-its-kind state hearing on the lack of trauma centers in poorer neighborhoods.

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Homeowners seeking assistance with emergency home repairs can enroll in the 2016 Roof and Porch Repair program on one day: Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) urges Chicagoans to take advantage of this opportunity.

Registration is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Eligible applicants will be chosen through a lottery process. Applicants can visit www.cityofchicago.org/roofandporch or call 311 to be placed on the intake list.

The City of Chicago also offers the Emergency Heating Repair Program. Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 through April 1. Homeowners can call DPD’s customer service line at 312-744-3653 or visit City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 1006, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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