SPRINGFIELD – The quality of Illinois foster care homes will improve for more than 13,000 children under legislation sponsored by state Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

Under current state law, foster parents considered unfit to raise children can re-apply one year after losing their license. House Bill 4966 would ensure that past performance of a foster home is taken into account for future licenses.

"Wards deserve the same quality households as their peers who live with their biological parents," Hunter said. "It is Illinois' responsibility to prevent a revolving door of unfit, neglectful and sometimes abusive foster parents from harming our children."

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SPRINGFIELD – Yesterday State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and the Illinois State Senate voted to fully fund education for K-12 and preschool.

House Bill 2990 would provide additional money for P-12 education including a $75 million increase for early childhood education. The proposal would make sure schools start on time in the fall.

“I voted to fully fund our education system for students across our state,” said Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip. “P-12 education has remained a top priority for lawmakers and the governor. Putting our children first can help students and parents rest at ease.”

House Bill 2990 went to the House for further approval.

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SPRINGFIELD – Youth participation in Illinois elections would increase under legislation that State Sen. Mattie Hunter voted for on Thursday.

The Illinois Senate passed a measure to create automatic voter registration for Illinoisans.

"Increasing youth participation will allow a necessary voice to be heard in our political system,” said Hunter, a career advocate for youth rights. “Today, we’re moving Illinois forward by making it easier for residents, especially young people, to exercise their voice and their right to vote.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Critical dollars may soon keep youth employment and after-school programs open for at-risk youth, hot meals at the doorsteps of seniors and timely breast and cervical cancer screenings available for women and men.

Today, State Senators Mattie Hunter and Donne Trotter backed a bipartisan funding proposal to restore the state’s critical social services.

"Keeping our social safety net intact will help residents in needs find the services that keep them healthy, safe and for many youth, off of the streets," said Hunter, a member of the Senate Human Services and Public Health committees. "These critical dollars will help prevent our youth from entering the criminal justice system by creating educational and occupational opportunities for them."

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