CHICAGO – Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body— most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. This disease affects thousands of people in the U.S., and legislation sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to raise awareness of this disease was signed into law Friday.

“Though this disease is rare, it is crucial that we are more knowledgeable about it and how it affects our bodies,” Hunter said. “Sarcoidosis can sometimes lead to death and therefore must be taken seriously.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) supported an initiative during the spring legislative session to maintain and expand telehealth services, which was signed into law Thursday by Governor Pritzker.

“COVID-19 has significantly increased the need for remote health services, but the truth is this need has always existed and will remain here once this pandemic is behind us,” Hunter said. “Access to telehealth gives patients the option to receive the necessary services and treatments they need, whether they are isolating during a pandemic or elderly people with mobility or transportation issues.”

CHICAGO – As of July 15, families with children up to 17 years old have been eligible to receive a federal Child Tax Credit, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is urging residents of the 3^rd District to check their eligibility.

“Whether or not you filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, your family may still be eligible for this credit,” Hunter said. “There are still hundreds of residents who are eligible to apply, so take this as an opportunity to check. This credit could be yours!”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement after news that Fitch Ratings revised its outlook on Illinois’ General Obligation Bonds from negative to positive:

“I’m extremely pleased with the Fitch outlook upgrade. This positive rating proves that the budget we passed and the actions we have taken over the past several years are fiscally responsible.

“Even though COVID-19 threw a wrench in things, I remain optimistic that we can continue to keep this debt decline moving forward. I am grateful for the leadership of our state’s top frontrunners: Governor Pritzker, Senate President Harmon, Speaker Welch and my colleagues for their suggestions and recommendations that help get us to this point. Further, I am appreciative of our budget and revenue staff for getting us to this point.

“I am excited to see the new opportunities for financial recovery and advancement. If we stay on this track, borrowing will cost less and taxpayers can save more money.”