SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Senate voted today to eliminate state subsidies for retirees’ health insurance premiums. The measure, Senate Bill 1313, passed both chambers and now heads to Governor Pat Quinn for his signature.  Senate Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter issued the following statement in regard to her opposition to the Senate vote on Senate Bill 1313:

“I have been advocating for responsible solutions to our state’s budget deficit, but I cannot support doing so on the backs of the people. We have said over and over that we must fix this fiscal problem through shared sacrifice but we cannot do that by breaking promises. I think this was the wrong approach and I am very disappointed by today’s vote.”

As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to thank all of the fantastic teachers in my district and all over the great State of Illinois who give so selflessly of their time and talent to teach our children.  What teachers instill in their pupils goes beyond the moment and helps shape and mold the individuals they become in life. I appreciate and celebrate all of the wonderful principals, teachers, and staff who constantly go beyond the call of duty to make sure our children receive the best quality education possible.  We are ever indebted to you. 

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A bill sponsored by Senator Mattie Hunter (D–Chicago) providing disadvantaged small businesses in Illinois loans from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) passed the Senate today.

“In the current economic environment in Illinois and across our country, small businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water,” Hunter said.  “My colleagues and I continuously work to find avenues to create jobs and sustain infrastructure in Illinois.  As a part of that effort to seek further opportunities, I have had the privilege to work with IDOT to find an avenue to aid minority- and female-owned small businesses through this new loan program.”

Senate Bill 2491 will establish the Working Capital Loan Repayment Fund to aid struggling Illinois’ minority- and female owned construction businesses in a procurement contract with IDOT.  The Fund will be able to loan up to $3 million a year over the next 10 years starting on July 1, 2012. 

 “The bottom line is that we must invest in the businesses that want to invest in our state as they are the backbone of our economy,” Hunter continued. 

Senate Bill 2491 now moves to the House for further consideration.

To read a letter from IDOT Secretary Ann L. Schneider to Senate President John Cullerton regarding this issue, please click here.