SPRINGFIELD – In response to Governor JB Pritzker's Wednesday budget address, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

"I'm encouraged by the governor's proposal to prioritize funding for health and human services across Illinois. Our efforts to advance health care equity have made significant progress, and I'm dedicated to continuing this important work.

"Ensuring affordability – whether it's housing, education or employment – must remain central to our mission. Expanding access to affordable housing and strengthening homelessness prevention programs are essential priorities – especially at a time when the federal administration is making drastic cuts to such vital programs.

"I'm ready to collaborate with my fellow legislators to put forth a budget that tackles these critical challenges while prioritizing the needs of underserved communities throughout our state."

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure patients have a chance to designate an emergency contact when seeking care, a new law spearheaded by State Senator Mattie Hunter will require hospitals to offer an opportunity to provide contact information starting Jan. 1.

“When someone is seeking care, their first thought is not telling hospital staff who their emergency contact is, it’s getting the care they need,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Now, patients won’t have to worry about remembering – our hospital staff will spearhead collecting important information they need, like an emergency contact.”

SPRINGFIELD — Further addressing health care gaps across Illinois communities, State Senator Mattie Hunter spearheaded a new law to close genetic counseling and testing disparities.

“Across the health care field, we continue to see many communities face a lack of providers, specialists or general care services, leaving residents without the care they need,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Neighbors are having to travel further or go without care because of these gaps.”

SPRINGFIELD — As many communities in Illinois still grapple with limited access to quality, healthy food, State Senator Mattie Hunter sponsored a new law aimed at looking into the effectiveness of efforts to reduce food deserts.

“Our residents are already facing rising grocery costs, workforce shortages and a lack of affordable housing – living in a food desert only hurts our neighbors further,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we work to identify solutions that provide lasting solutions to food deserts in Illinois.”