Hunter gives back on MLK Day

CHICAGO – In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) partnered with Social Change to donate food and PPE at the Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church.

“People are still struggling to protect themselves from this virus while awaiting the wide distribution of the vaccine,” Hunter said. “PPE is still needed, and people are still in need of other basic necessities like food. Everyone loves to quote Dr. King, but those who follow in his footsteps are not as common.”

Read more: Hunter gives back on MLK Day

Collins wins tougher regulations on payday lenders, new Community Reinvestment Act

CHICAGO – Payday lenders will be prohibited from issuing loans with rates higher than 36% and Illinois government will require certain financial institutions to meet the needs of local communities under major reforms led by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus this past week.

Language from two major pieces of legislation by Collins, Senate Bills 1608 and 1792, were included in a comprehensive Black Caucus economic reform measure that passed the Illinois General Assembly Wednesday.

“How many of you want to get a credit card, maybe from Macy's or Neiman Marcus, at 80%, 99%?” Collins asked senators in her remarks prior to the bill’s passage in the Senate. “This is preying on certain communities. It's really a rebirth of redlining, housing covenants and all the other ills that have decimated my community. What we're trying to do is ensure they have an opportunity to build economic stability.”

Read more: Collins wins tougher regulations on payday lenders, new Community Reinvestment Act

Illinois Black Caucus takes first-in-the-nation step to eliminate systemic racism

SPRINGFIELD – In order to address the longstanding root causes of racial inequality and disinvestment that are holding back the Black community, the Illinois Senate Legislative Black Caucus has passed the most comprehensive legislative package in the nation to rid Illinois of systemic racism. 

Decades of oppression, the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and police brutality inspired the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ push to end the historic disparities facing Illinois’ Black population.

Read more: Illinois Black Caucus takes first-in-the-nation step to eliminate systemic racism

President Harmon congratulates Speaker Welch

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Senate President Don Harmon issued the following statement congratulating the new Speaker of the Illinois House Chris Welch.

“Congratulations to Representative Welch on being elected Speaker of the House. It is a historic occasion.

“We have worked together for years serving the near western suburbs, so I know firsthand the commitment he has to the people he represents.

“We have monumental challenges ahead of us this legislative session. I look forward to working with Speaker Welch to meet them.”