Concerned students from across the state descended on the Capitol today in support of critical funding for MAP grants and higher educational institutions.

With the state in its fourth month without a budget agreement, many students are worried they will not be able to attend school next semester without the assistance of their MAP grant. 

Paris Griffin, a senior from the South Side of Chicago who attends Chicago State University, receives financial aid through the MAP grant program. She joined her peers in advocating for a budget agreement that would fund the MAP program and provide a higher education budget for the state.

SPRINGFIELD – Elected officials joined Sen. Mattie Hunter for a moment of silence in honor of the late Representative Esther Golar today in the Senate Chamber. Hunter introduced Senate Resolution 1034 to memorialize Rep. Golar’s contributions to the General Assembly.

“Representative Esther Golar was a colleague, friend and a great person. Illinois lost a wonderful person and a wonderful statesman,” Hunter said during her floor speech.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After attending “Women at the Tables of Power,” a three-day national conference, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) seeks to bring economic solutions back to Illinois.

“We need to move beyond political posturing in Illinois and pass a budget that protects vital programs while encouraging job growth,” said Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip. “Applying best practices used by other states can help alleviate the economic pressures facing our state.”

CHICAGO - In response to media reports of 74 heroin overdoses within a 72-hour time span, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) cautions the public from seeing the scenario as being an isolated event.

“The horrific cases of heroin overdoses in recent days unfortunately highlight how widespread and serious this crisis has become. This public health crisis affects more than patients rushed to hospitals. The financial burden hits taxpayers through health care and law enforcement costs,” said Hunter, member of the Senate Public Health and Human Services.