CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the death of DCFS specialist Diedre Silas:

“I am absolutely devastated by the loss of Diedre, an incredible person dedicated to protecting our children. She was a remarkable person and worker and she will surely be missed. Though her death was tragic, I will always remember her for the bright soul that she was. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, and I pray they receive justice for her untimely passing.

“Sadly, this isn’t the first DCFS child protection worker who was attacked and murdered on the job. That’s why I will be introducing legislation that will protect employees from these kind of dangers.”

*This event has been POSTPONED.

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is partnering with the Black Women’s Health Imperative to bring South Side communities a conversation on COVID-19 at 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. The event will be held at the Bishop Shepard Little Recreation Center on 5222 S. Halsted, Chicago to address COVID-19 safety and vaccine hesitancy.

“Nearly two years after its onset, COVID-19 and its variants still pose a threat to the health of our communities,” Hunter said. “It is important that we take steps to protect ourselves, and address the remaining hesitancy in Black communities around vaccines and booster shots.”

SPRINGFIELD – A bill introduced by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure the provisions in the Community Health Worker Certification and Reimbursement Act are fully implemented was signed into law Tuesday.

“With this follow-up legislation to the health care pillar, we can finally bring the proper certification to these essential health workers,” Hunter said. “I am happy that we could further address the needs of community health workers. “

SPRINGFIELD – A bill by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure the provisions in the Community Health Worker Advisory Board Act are fully implemented advanced out of the Senate Thursday night.

“I am happy that the health care pillar was passed, and now we have to make sure that every measure is implemented the way we intended,” Hunter said. “With this follow-up legislation, we can finally bring the proper certification to these essential health workers.”