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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) announced a new plan to tackle the heroin and opioid epidemic spreading across the state. State officials, community leaders and families joined Sen. Hunter to share their experiences while working to help those struggling with substance abuse.

"As a certified substance abuse counselor I’ve had the opportunity to work as a support system for those struggling with drug addiction,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter. “I recognize the importance of teaching individuals how to modify their behavior with the intention of full recovery to prevent relapse which sometimes results in death. I’m hopeful that while working with previous taskforces and professionals in the medical field we can together we will find a solution to the problem plaguing our communities."

With the plan, Hunter hopes to identify common problems across the state and practical legislation that might diminish, if not solve, those problems.

Watch the full press conference on YouTube: press conference video recording .

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter voted to override a measure that could increase youth participation in state elections. Senate Bill 250 creates an automatic voter registration for Illinoisans.

Under current law, Illinois has an opt-in voter registration system where the default status is unregistered. The burden is with individual voters to register. Earlier this session, the governor vetoed the legislation, causing the bill to return this fall.

"I’m hopeful the legislation’s new revisions will gain the governor’s support and become law. Increasing youth voter participation will allow a necessary voice in our political system,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), a career advocate for youth rights. “Making it easier for residents to vote, especially young people, is important because our youth will eventually be the leaders of this state and country.”

Senate Bill 250 will streamline the voter registration in a cost-effective and easy manner, giving unregistered voters who wish to opt out the opportunity to do so.

SPRINGFIELD – More than 13,000 children will reap the benefits of improved foster care under legislation signed into law, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

Currently, foster parents considered unfit to raise children are allowed to re-apply one year after losing their fostering license. House Bill 4966 would ensure that past performance of a foster home is taken into account before a new license is granted.

"I am pleased this legislation passed. All children, no matter their circumstance, deserve quality care and a loving home,” Hunter said. “Wards deserve the same quality households as their peers who live with their biological families, and it is our responsibility to ensure that happens. This bill will prevent neglectful and sometimes abusive foster parents from harming our children."

CHICAGO – A bipartisan-backed human services emergency funding bill is sitting on the governor's desk. Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement, urging the governor to sign the plan into law:

"A human services funding plan is sitting on the governor's desk. The Senate and House worked in a bipartisan fashion to craft an emergency funding bill that will keep our state afloat.

“We are seeing in Chicago and across our state the devastating effects of not having a budget in place. Without critical programs like Redeploy Illinois, we will continue to see a rise in teen violence.

“Signing the stopgap budget into law is the first step toward turning our state around. Our at-risk teens, seniors and vulnerable residents who rely on human services cannot wait any longer.

“Our communities need a solution today. That solution, Senate Bill 2038, is ready to be signed."