Hunter measure targets harmful “forever chemicals” found in beauty products

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 led by 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 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.”

During a press conference Wednesday, Hunter outlined House Bill 3409, which 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 will be heard in the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

Hunter leads landmark housing bill to tackle affordability crisis

CHICAGO – 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 4060 gives us the tools to build more housing in more places – and to do it in a way that is fair, transparent and enforceable.”

As part of Governor JB Pritzker’s Building Up Illinois Developments – or BUILD – proposal, Hunter is leading Senate Bill 4060.

The measure would require municipalities to allow middle housing on any lot currently zoned for single-family use, with the number of permitted units scaling from two to eight depending on lot size. Middle housing refers to moderately scaled residential buildings that fit seamlessly into existing neighborhoods, such as duplexes, townhouses and cottage clusters – buildings that offer more options for families, seniors and individuals at a range of income levels.

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 4060 was heard in a subject matter hearing Thursday and awaits further action.

Hunter honors Reverend Jesses Jackson’s life with Senate resolution

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter led a Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

“We recently lost one of the towering giants of the American civil rights movement,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Reverend Jackson 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.”

Jackson rose from humble beginnings in the segregated South to become one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history, eventually becoming a close aide to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and being present at the time of his assassination in 1968.

He made Chicago his home and the base of his activism, founding organizations like Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition in the city. Throughout his life, he also served as a diplomat and activist on the world stage, securing the release of hostages in multiple countries and leaving behind a powerful legacy of advocacy for civil rights, social justice and human dignity.

Jackson also visited the Illinois State Capitol many times throughout his life, and worked closely with a number of members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus – including Hunter. He died Feb. 17 at the age of 84.

“I carry Reverend Jackson’s 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,” said Hunter. “Rest in power, Reverend. The work goes on.”

Senate Resolution 637 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

Hunter releases statement on passing of Jesse Jackson

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement after the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson:

"Today we lost one of the towering giants of the American civil rights movement. The 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."