HUNTER, COLLINS LEGISLATION WILL PROVIDE FREE DENTAL CARE FOR CHICAGO-AREA VETERANS

Bill Passes Illinois General Assembly on Memorial Day

SPRINGFIELD – New legislation paving the way for a first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art oral care center located on Chicago’s near West Side is making its way to the desk of State of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker thanks to the efforts of State Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Representative Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago).

House Bill 690 will allow the dentists from Aspen Dental to provide much-needed dental care to underserved Illinois veterans. Dentists from other states will be able to practice under a temporary license to care for those in need at the Aspen Dental Management Inc. Oral Care Center in Chicago, which is expected to open in 2022.

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Hunter: Budget will help Illinoisans get back on their feet

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to passage of the Fiscal Year 2022 budget:

“After the hard year we’ve endured, it was vital that we supported a plan that adequately funds our health care and human service programs. I am satisfied that the plan has prioritized funding for Medicaid and other health and human services.

“I’m also glad that several ethics reforms will be implemented including prohibiting elected officials from lobbying other units of government, prohibiting all political fundraisers during legislative session and pro-rating the salaries of General Assembly members who leave office prior to the end of their term.

“Many communities have been roiled by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially communities of color, and it is necessary that the organizations they count on most are properly funded during this time.

“I believe the massive debt reduction of over $3 billion will help families get back on their feet.”

Hunter: Telehealth must remain an option after pandemic

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) supported an initiative Sunday to maintain and expand telehealth services.

“COVID-19 has significantly increased the need for remote health services, but the truth is this need has always been here and will remain here once this pandemic is behind us,” Hunter said. “Whether we are isolating during a pandemic or simply elderly people with mobility or transportation issues, we need to be able to receive the necessary services and treatment, and telehealth gives patients that option.”

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Affordable housing measure passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – An effort to create more affordable housing for Illinois residents led by State Senators Mattie Hunter, Ann Gillespie and Sara Feigenholtz passed the Senate Sunday.

“People are still recovering from the financial struggles brought on by the pandemic, making affordable housing more necessary than ever before,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “With many people behind on rent and struggling with unemployment, we have to do more to help them.”

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