Welcome to Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter Legislative Website

Hunter highlights budget that delivers on health care

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget:

“The 3rd District is proud to be home to St. Bernard and Insight Hospitals – institutions that deliver compassionate, quality, accessible care to our neighbors every day. This budget makes a clear commitment to safety net hospitals across our district and throughout the state, ensuring residents can get the care they need, when they need it.

“It also delivers much-needed recognition for direct support professionals – the dedicated workers who are essential to the dignity and wellbeing of our seniors. Additionally, by continuing to invest in mental health services, we are fulfilling our obligation to a community that deserves more than a patchwork of resources – but rather deserves a reliable safety net. This budget delivers that."

Hunter opens pathways to affordable, diverse housing opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading sweeping legislation that would reform exclusionary zoning laws and open new pathways for affordable, diverse housing across the state.

“Underserved communities across Illinois have been bearing the weight of the housing crisis for years," said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 640 gives us the tools to build more housing in more places – and to do it in a way that is fair, transparent and enforceable.”

The measure would require local governments across Illinois to allow middle housing – such as duplexes, triplexes, and similar multi-unit buildings – in single-family zoning districts, while giving municipalities the option to set their own design standards – or default to state standards – governing things like building height, setbacks and lot coverage.

All qualifying developments would be required to designate at least 40% of units as affordable for households earning between 80–120% of the area median income. The bill also would allow municipalities to establish Protected Small Rental Housing Areas, where new development cannot displace existing 2–4 unit rental properties unless demolition is municipality-initiated or safety-required, in which case any redevelopment must include at least as many units as were previously on the site.

Illinois, like much of the nation, faces a significant housing shortage driven in large part by decades of restrictive single-family zoning. By legalizing a wider range of housing types in established neighborhoods – near jobs, transit, schools and other services – Hunter’s measure would help lower housing costs, reduce displacement and create more equitable communities throughout the state.

“For far too long, outdated zoning laws have stood in the way of the housing our communities desperately need,” said Hunter. “This measure is about making sure that working families, seniors and people of all socioeconomic backgrounds can find a home in the neighborhoods where they work and raise their children.”

Senate Bill 640 passed the Senate Executive Committee Tuesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration

“Forever chemicals” one step closer from being removed from beauty products, thanks to Hunter

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans are one step closer to knowing the cosmetics on their bathroom shelves won’t make them sick long term thanks to a measure State Senator Mattie Hunter passed through the Senate Wednesday to ban such items from containing polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS, or "forever chemicals."

“For too long, the cosmetics industry has operated without the kind of oversight we apply to food, medicine and drinking water,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “We are working to close that gap and put Illinois at the forefront of a national movement to hold manufacturers accountable for what goes into their products and onto our skin.”

House Bill 3409 would make it unlawful for any person to knowingly manufacture or sell a cosmetic product that contains any of 11 specifically named harmful chemicals or 13 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – also known as “forever chemicals” – that were intentionally added during the product's formulation.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in manufacturing that do not break down in the environment or the human body. Prolonged exposure has been linked to a range of serious health outcomes, including certain cancers, hormonal disruption and immune system damage. Despite growing scientific consensus on the dangers of these substances, they remain present in a wide range of personal care and beauty products.

“Illinois consumers deserve to know the products they put on their bodies every day are safe,” said Hunter. “This measure sends a clear message to the cosmetics industry: if you want to sell in Illinois, your products must meet the health and safety standards our families deserve.”

House Bill 3409 passed the Senate Wednesday.

Hunter advances measure to expand coverage for genetic testing

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading a measure to prohibit cost-sharing on the coverage of clinical genetic testing.

“Early detection saves lives,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “When we remove financial barriers to genetic testing, we empower patients to take proactive steps before a diagnosis becomes a crisis.”

Building on her support for equitable health care, Hunter is leading House Bill 3605. The measure would prohibit cost-sharing on the coverage of clinical genetic testing and any subsequent tests after a positive result for an inherent gene mutation is received.

Under current law, insurance plans are required to cover clinical genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a personal or family history of cancers as recommended by a health care professional. The current coverage limits the total amount that an individual is required to pay for a clinical test to $50.

“When a health care professional recommends genetic testing, cost should never be the reason a patient says no,” said Hunter. “This measure ensures that medical decisions stay between patients and their doctors — not their bank accounts.”

House Bill 3605 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Tuesday.