Senator Hunter honors Fannie Lou Hamer during Black History Month

Senator Hunter honors Fannie Lou Hamer during Black History Month

Hunter: Pritzker budget proposal a blue print for equitable delivery of human services

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address on Wednesday:

“I was pleased the governor proposed rate increases for Medicaid providers and Community Care Program providers, as well as significant overhauls and investments in the Department of Children and Family Services. Pritzker’s budget puts Illinois on the right path toward equitable delivery of human services for children and families.

“The governor and I share a demonstrated commitment to reducing health-care disparities and creating a child welfare system where no child’s health and well-being is neglected. I look forward to working with him to achieve these goals.”

Hunter moves to abolish red-light cameras

CHICAGO – Illinois motorists would no longer suffer hefty fines by municipalities through the use of red-light cameras under legislation proposed by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

Senate Bill 2902 prohibits any unit of government from using automated traffic law enforcement systems at intersections for the purpose of recording a driver's failure to stop and yield at a red light.

“It’s clear that the red-light camera program has been sustained and expanded by corruption,” Hunter said. “Traffic laws should be driven by safety, not bribery, shakedowns or the need to boost revenue. An industry that benefited from foul-play shouldn’t be able to continue to siphon money from the pockets of motorists.”

Red-light cameras have been a source of frustration for Illinois motorists since they were first legalized in 2006.

According to reports in the press, red light cameras have generated over $1 billion in revenue for local governments in Illinois over the past decade. Reports indicate that red-light camera revenue increased by roughly 111% between 2008 and 2018, from $53.5 million to $113.2 million.

SB 2902 limits the ability of units of government to use automated traffic enforcement systems except for the following:

• school safety zone violations
• failure to yield for a stopped school bus
• railroad crossing violations