Hunter invites public to attend legislative budget town hall

CHICAGO — To share important legislative and state budget updates, State Senator Mattie Hunter is holding a town hall on June 28 with State Representatives Kim du Buclet and Sonya Harper.

“This meeting will offer important updates on funding and legislation that impacts those in our community,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “I invite everyone to come out and meet me and Representatives du Buclet and Harper and take part in a productive discussion.”

The town hall will be held Wednesday, June 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Insight Hospital in the Great Room on the 12th floor. Attendees should enter through the hospital’s main entrance at 2524 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago.

The event is free and open to the public with light refreshments served. Registration is encouraged by calling Senator Hunter’s district office at 312-949-1908.

Hunter’s child welfare measure becomes law

SPRINGFIELD — To further reinforce the goals of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation that removes obsolete language from the Children and Family Services Act was signed into law.

“DCFS services are meant to be temporary, and our focus should remain on reuniting children with their families or placing them in safe, permanent homes,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This law makes these goals clear and ensures the language within this important act is current and compliant.”

Amending the Children and Family Services Act, the new law provides that DCFS is responsible for placing children in permanent family homes through guardianship or adoption — rather than adoptive homes — when restoration to the biological family is not safe, possible or appropriate. The measure clarifies DCFS’ responsibility for children or youth whose jurisdiction could not be clearly named as under one individual agency, or whose services may be provided by multiple agencies, and reaffirms that welfare services offered by DCFS are intended to be temporary until safe reunification or timely and permanent placement can be achieved.

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New Hunter law prevents utility shutoffs in extreme heat

SPRINGFIELD — Residents struggling to pay their gas or electric bills will not face life-threatening utility shutoffs on hot days thanks to an initiative sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter that was signed into law Friday.

“This is a major victory for public health and the people of Illinois,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Heat is extremely dangerous, and families should not be put in harm’s way due to their financial circumstances.”

The legislation amends the Public Utilities Act to prohibit a utility company from terminating gas or electric service due to nonpayment of bills on days when the forecasted temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above, or when the National Weather Service issues a heat watch, advisory or warning for the location of the residence. Previously, disconnections were prohibited during temperatures 95 degrees or hotter and did not take into account humidity or heat index.

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Hunter applauds signing of FY24 budget

SPRINGFIELD — Joining fellow Senate Democrats in celebrating the signing of the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget, State Senator Mattie Hunter highlighted key investments that will uplift underserved communities.

"This budget reflects our unwavering commitment to the people of Illinois,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Prioritizing investments in education, housing, mental health care and other critical areas will give our communities the tools they need to live successful, meaningful lives.”

Continued funding for housing initiatives includes $350 million to the HOME Illinois program, which will support unhoused populations through additional housing units, rental assistance and workforce development opportunities. Additionally, significant investments in mental health services ensure enhanced access to essential behavioral health support for youth and adults.

“Investments in behavioral health care are investments in our future – our children, families and communities,” Hunter said. “By expanding our financial support of mental health care, housing support and workforce training, we can help individuals get back on their feet and secure an income and an address.”

The FY24 budget was signed Wednesday and will go into effect on July 1.