Welcome to Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter's Legislative Website

Save the Date: Family Health and Fitness Fair

Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Illinois Institute of Technology Campus, 33rd & State Street, Chicago

 

Post Session Town Hall

I will join State Representative Sonya Harper and State Representative Kim du Buclet for a Post-Session Legislative Town Hall on July 25 at 10 a.m. at Insight Hospital. This is a great opportunity to hear what we did in Springfield this spring and ask questions. We hope to see you there!

“Forever chemicals” to be 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 new from State Senator Mattie Hunter 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 closing that gap and putting 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 makes 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 law 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 was signed into law Friday.

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."