SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to the governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“Supporting our unhoused neighbors is one of my top priorities. It is vital that we continue to invest in assisting unhoused individuals through expanded access to affordable housing and rental assistance programs, along with building wraparound services to help lift families out of poverty. While asylum seekers who have arrived in Chicago need help, so do our longtime residents, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to prioritize the needs of our communities.

“It is encouraging to see that the governor remains committed to funding health and human services initiatives laid out in the fourth pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda, including addressing the state’s maternal mortality rate and supporting working families through the Child Care Assistance Program. The work continues as we address health disparities among Black Illinoisans and build a more equitable health care system.

“In the coming months, I look forward to negotiating a responsible budget that ensures the well-being of our state’s underserved populations.”