Illinois lawmakers have strengthened their commitment to protect seniors from financial exploitation with new law.

A measure sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Representative Esther Golar, requires The Department of Human Services to create a health care worker registry of employees under final investigation of financial theft from the elderly.

Friday, the National Black Chamber of Commerce honored State Senator Mattie Hunter with the Carol B. Mosley Award for her efforts in securing minority business contracts.

“The revolving loan fund creates equal economic opportunities for disadvantaged businesses and minority contractors,” said Hunter, a career advocate for social and economic equality for underserved communities. “I am honored the National Black Chamber of Commerce recognized the tireless work of my colleagues and I to secure necessary start-up resources for minority and women enterprises.”

House Bill 3267 was signed into law in 2013.

State Senator Mattie Hunter commemorates Juneteeth Day

On June 19, 1865, Texan slaves learned two-and-a-half years later of their pending freedom and the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On the 140th anniversary of their freedom, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) passed legislation designating the third Saturday of every June, Juneteenth Day in Illinois.

Hunter, an advocate for civil and human rights, released the following statement today:

“Juneteenth, the oldest celebration of the ending of slavery, marks freedom for all African-Americans. African-American history is American history. It is Illinois’ history.

Forty-nine youth workers were honored for completing Chicago Area Project’s  Advancing Youth Development and Supervising Youth Development Practice  programs during a graduation ceremony on April 13, 2012 at the Chicago Urban League, 4510 S. Michigan Ave. The graduates from several community, governmental, and educational agencies throughout the City of Chicago joined more than 4900 youth workers in Chicago and the suburbs who have enhanced their skills through CAPs professional development programs.

Keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony was State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3). Sen. Hunter saluted the graduates for their dedication to youth work. “I’m looking forward to witnessing the impact that you all will have today and tomorrow,” she said. “The partnership between my office and the Chicago Area Project shows how the community and legislators can work hand in hand in order to continue making effective, long-standing change in our communities and in our most vulnerable people—our children and our youth.”