SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State address:

“I am pleased that the governor’s plan is leaving room for additional COVID-19 relief, as we are entering the third year of the pandemic. We have done a lot of work to create equity in the health care sector, and I am ready to see the execution of those initiatives. I am also excited for further funding in our state’s health care and human services programs.

“I am glad to see funding toward business and developmental recovery are reflected in the governor’s plan. Small businesses will need continued support, which in turn will benefit our communities as a whole.

“I’m confident this proposal points us in the right direction as the state continues to recuperate from COVID-19 and move forward towards equity across social programs.”