Homecare workers continue to struggle without state budget

Ashley’s Quality Care, a 25-year-old social service agency, is on the brink of closure due to the almost-two-year budget stalemate between Republican governor Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled legislature.

“The governor needs to be truthful and transparent. He needs to make clear his budget plan for the state, bring everyone together and lead us out of the recession we’re beginning to face,” said Michael Robinson, CFO of Ashley’s Quality Care.

Rather than forcing families to put loved ones into nursing facilities, AQC strives to enhance the quality of life for their customers by offering personal care and services to seniors and disabled individuals.

“Our employees cook, clean and handle a lot of the household duties clients are unable to manage,” said Robinson. “We’re blessed to have workers that have stayed loyal to the company throughout this fiscal battle.”  

Typically, AQC receives 99 percent of its funding from the state, but since the impasse, has been working under tight restriction.

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Instead of chasing the heroin epidemic, we need to get in front of it

As a follow up from her press conference last November, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) held a meeting, Friday, February 24th to discuss the next steps in fighting the heroin epidemic plaguing Illinois.

She invited legislators, organizations and individuals around the state who have been instrumental in the fight.

Before joining the legislature in 2003, Sen. Hunter worked as a certified drug and alcohol counselor and prevention specialist.

She has championed this issue while working to bring healing and peace to families and their loved ones struggling with drug addiction.

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More Jobs Less Violence

State Senator Mattie Hunter(D-Chicago) joined local leaders and activists at the Chicago Urban League for the Youth Employment Hearing: More Jobs Less Violence.

Watch full hearing below.

Sen. Hunter and Secretary White push the organ donor registry out of committee

Secretary of State Jesse White joined State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) in the Senate Public Health Committee today, to announce new legislation that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to register for the state’s First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry when they receive their driver’s license or identification card.

“Choosing to give life to another is a wonderful gift,” Hunter said. “Opening the donor registry will broaden the number of overall donations and save countless lives.”

Under current law, an individual must be at least 18 to join the registry. While this legislation leaves the decision up to teenagers, Senator Hunter and Secretary White encourage youth to discuss their decision with their parents.

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