CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement after news that Fitch Ratings revised its outlook on Illinois’ General Obligation Bonds from negative to positive:

“I’m extremely pleased with the Fitch outlook upgrade. This positive rating proves that the budget we passed and the actions we have taken over the past several years are fiscally responsible.

“Even though COVID-19 threw a wrench in things, I remain optimistic that we can continue to keep this debt decline moving forward. I am grateful for the leadership of our state’s top frontrunners: Governor Pritzker, Senate President Harmon, Speaker Welch and my colleagues for their suggestions and recommendations that help get us to this point. Further, I am appreciative of our budget and revenue staff for getting us to this point.

“I am excited to see the new opportunities for financial recovery and advancement. If we stay on this track, borrowing will cost less and taxpayers can save more money.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) championed a newly-signed law that will ensure the provisions in the Equal Pay Act are fully implemented.

“On average, white women make 82 cents for every dollar men make, and women of color make even less than that. This has always been unacceptable – and continues to be,” Hunter said. “In order to create true equity across state structures, we must guarantee that everyone is paid the same rates for the same work.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement in the aftermath of the gun violence at an Englewood community residence in her legislative district that left four people dead and another four wounded:

“My heart aches for the lives that were lost and injured today. Our neighborhoods have seen too many acts of violence, and I extend my condolences to the families of the victims.

“Gun violence is a public health issue that has run rampant for far too long in our communities. I will continue to advocate for increased gun control and more safety resources for our communities. This has got to stop. One more life lost is one too many.

“Every Chicagoan deserves to feel safe on their street, and in their home.”

Bill Passes Illinois General Assembly on Memorial Day

SPRINGFIELD – New legislation paving the way for a first-of-its-kind, state-of-the-art oral care center located on Chicago’s near West Side is making its way to the desk of State of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker thanks to the efforts of State Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Representative Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago).

House Bill 690 will allow the dentists from Aspen Dental to provide much-needed dental care to underserved Illinois veterans. Dentists from other states will be able to practice under a temporary license to care for those in need at the Aspen Dental Management Inc. Oral Care Center in Chicago, which is expected to open in 2022.