Hunter: Proposed budget invests in health and human services programs

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

“I am pleased to see the proposed budget recommends further funding for our state’s health and human services programs. We have done a lot of work to improve equity in the health care sector, and I remain committed as this work continues.

“We must continue to make it affordable to live, go to school and work in our state. Increased access to affordable housing and services that focus on ending and preventing homelessness should be top priorities. The communities I represent are in need of this type of support, and I am glad to see a new $350 million investment in crisis response, expanded housing assistance and increased job opportunities for people without housing.

Read more …

Chicago universities to receive academic support funding

CHICAGO – Three Chicago universities in the 3rd District are among 21 higher education institutions to receive funding from the Illinois Board of Higher Education in the second round of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund grants, State Senator Mattie Hunter announced Friday.

“Our students have faced unprecedented challenges throughout the pandemic,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This funding will support our universities in their effort to get students back on track.”

This is the second round of GEER grants to Illinois higher education institutions to help mitigate the effects of the pandemic. More than $10.5 million in grants have been distributed to 21 universities in the state, both public and private institutions. In the 3rd District, funds were awarded to East-West University, $125,000; National Louis University, $96,285; and Roosevelt University, $121,202.

Read more …

Hunter celebrates $1.8 million in pre-apprenticeship investments

CHICAGO – Several pre-apprenticeship programs in the 3rd District received over $1.8 million in combined investments thanks to the support of State Senator Mattie Hunter.

“I am pleased to see these pre-apprenticeship programs have received the funding they need to further provide training and support services for participants,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “These investments will pave the way to good-paying jobs for historically underrepresented populations.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure long-term employment.

Read more …

Hunter celebrates 20 years as a state senator

SPRINGFIELD – First appointed to the Illinois State Senate in 2003, State Senator Mattie Hunter was happy to be sworn in to her newest term for the 103rd General Assembly.

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving the neighborhoods that have shaped me, and the chance to bring more resources to my constituents,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “I am grateful for all that I’ve been able to accomplish in the last couple of decades and for the continued support in my upcoming term.”

Read more …