CHICAGO – In an effort to combat record high unemployment rates during the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Labor announced two new grants aiming to create nearly 1,300 jobs across the state. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is encouraging job seekers to apply.

“This pandemic has shown us that there is a need for a different kind of essential worker,” Hunter said. “Workers such as contract tracers and food pantry workers are needed now more than ever. Many people who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 should consider these positions, which not only gives them a source of income but helps to serve their community in a time of need.”

CHICAGO — For 31 years, Chicago has celebrated the African Festival of the Arts (AFA). While this year was celebrated virtually rather than in Washington Park, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) was still honored to be chosen as the Grand Yeye, or honored mother, of the event.

“Being honored at a festival dedicated to the celebration of African culture was one of the fondest highlights of my career,” Hunter said.

CHICAGO — Illinois is seeing a surge in opioid-related deaths in 2020, already doubling last year’s amounts in Cook County. The state received more than $36 million in federal funding in order to fight the opioid crisis Friday, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is hopeful these new funds will help equip Illinoisans with the resources to fight substance abuse.

“Many people don’t understand that drug abuse and drug addictions are a disease,” Hunter said. “It’s important to take all the necessary steps to prevent addiction early. There are people battling the global health crisis, racism, and opioid addictions all at the same time. Now more than ever, people need help fighting the disease of addiction, just as they would need help fighting cancer or any other disease.”

SPRINGFIELD — After a Senate hearing Thursday about transparency and equity at the Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT and other members of the Mid-America Association of State Transportation Agencies voted to establish a diversity committee. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) praised the decision in the following statement:

“For years, we’ve heard serious complaints about acts of discrimination at IDOT. Thursday, we gave Secretary Omer Osman the opportunity to respond to these allegations, and I’m happy to see that he’s taken them seriously.

“The establishment of this diversity committee is a start, but it will not be enough to fix the issues on its own. I’m looking forward to seeing policies that result in us hearing less and less discrimination complaints.

“I hope to see the organization implement more opportunities for people of color statewide, both in employment and mobility.”