Hunter looks to prioritize health, human services in FY 27 budget

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker's Wednesday budget address, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

"I'm encouraged by the governor's proposal to prioritize funding for health and human services across Illinois. Our efforts to advance health care equity have made significant progress, and I'm dedicated to continuing this important work.

"Ensuring affordability – whether it's housing, education or employment – must remain central to our mission. Expanding access to affordable housing and strengthening homelessness prevention programs are essential priorities – especially at a time when the federal administration is making drastic cuts to such vital programs.

"I'm ready to collaborate with my fellow legislators to put forth a budget that tackles these critical challenges while prioritizing the needs of underserved communities throughout our state."

Hunter on Jesse Jackson: He was a steady moral voice

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.:

“Today we lost one of the towering giants of the American civil rights movement. Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. gave his life to the cause of justice, equality and the dignity of every human being – and the world is immeasurably better because of it. He stood with Dr. King, he ran for the presidency and proved that a Black man could compete on the national stage, and for decades he was a steady moral voice reminding this country of the work still left to do.

“I have had the privilege of meeting Reverend Jackson and that encounter has stayed with me ever since. He took a moment to speak to me and told me every seat at the table we earn is a seat we must use to pull someone else up. That was the essence of who he was – a teacher, a challenger and an encourager of the next generation. I carry his words and his example into this work every single day, and I am committed to honoring his legacy by continuing to fight for the people he spent his life defending. May he rest in peace.”

Hunter law ensures hospital patients can designate an emergency contact starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure patients have a chance to designate an emergency contact when seeking care, a new law spearheaded by State Senator Mattie Hunter will require hospitals to offer an opportunity to provide contact information starting Jan. 1.

“When someone is seeking care, their first thought is not telling hospital staff who their emergency contact is, it’s getting the care they need,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Now, patients won’t have to worry about remembering – our hospital staff will spearhead collecting important information they need, like an emergency contact.”

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Hunter law sets minimum network ratios for genetic medicine and counseling

SPRINGFIELD — Further addressing health care gaps across Illinois communities, State Senator Mattie Hunter spearheaded a new law to close genetic counseling and testing disparities.

“Across the health care field, we continue to see many communities face a lack of providers, specialists or general care services, leaving residents without the care they need,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Neighbors are having to travel further or go without care because of these gaps.”

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