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.”

CHIGAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter is encouraging organizations that work in the realm of prevention, care and treatment of sickle cell disease to apply for funding to increase services for people with the illness.

“Closing the gap in access to comprehensive care and preventative treatment that some communities experience is a step toward curbing the deep social impact and mortality rate of sickle cell disease,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This funding offers hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for those affected by this disease.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health will provide funding for eight organizations to grow innovative solutions to sickle cell disease. Organizations will be awarded grant funding with the goal of increasing access to comprehensive sickle cell treatment, pain management therapies, infusion centers, mental health resources and counseling opportunities for people with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.

Applications will be accepted until March 18 at 5 p.m. For more information and to apply, visit IDPHgrants.com and search for this program under “Current Grants” and “Health Promotion.”

CHICAGO — With support from State Senator Mattie Hunter, National Louis University and Roosevelt University will receive over $381,000 to address student homelessness and help provide necessities many students lack.

“Students are more likely to succeed if they can focus on their schooling rather than finding their next meal or a place to sleep,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “With this funding, National Louis University and Roosevelt University will be better equipped to help students in need.”

The End Student Housing Insecurity grants were awarded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and will be used to support ongoing efforts to address systemic causes of student homelessness and basic-needs insecurity. National Louis University and Roosevelt University are among the 10 institutions chosen by the IBHE.

The investments — $199,908 to National Louis University and $182,499 to Roosevelt University — are one step in the state’s higher education plan to close equity gaps for students. The grants were awarded by a competitive application process, based on the school’s ability to address primary causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity, and to help students overcome barriers to graduation.

“Students already face immense pressure while going to school,” said Hunter. “These grants represent our state’s continued commitment to ensuring no student has to worry about basic necessities while pursuing their academic dreams.”

View more information about the End Student Housing Insecurity grants.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation to further reinforce the goals of the Department of Children and Family Services is now in effect.

“DCFS’ primary objective remains reuniting children with their families or securing safe, permanent homes,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This law clarifies these goals and ensures the Children and Family Services Act is up-to-date and compliant with current needs.”

The new law cleaned up language in the Children and Family Services Act to include 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.

Additionally, the law 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.

House Bill 3705 went into effect Jan. 1.