SPRINGFIELD – Universities will no longer be able to withhold transcripts from students who have not yet paid off their tuition balance, thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Mattie Hunter.

“Debt collection can be such a beast, especially when it targets students or those who have recently graduated,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Students have worked hard for their degree, and they deserve access to their transcripts despite their financial status.”

SPRINGFIELD – Access to low cost prescription drugs will be protected thanks to a measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter that was signed into law Friday.

While the average adult spends $177 out of pocket on prescription drug annually, affordability is a bigger issue for those who are older, taking four or more prescription medicines, have chronic conditions or are low-income.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter co-sponsored a measure to create a Crime Reduction Task Force, giving crime survivors a new voice in public safety policy.

The Crime Reduction Task Force will develop and recommend solutions to reduce crime across the state. Its members will be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals and survivors of crime.

CHICAGO – Thanks to strong support from Senator Hunter, 230 businesses were awarded $11.2 million dollars in grants throughout Chicago’s Southside.

“Once again, I am grateful that we were able to advocate for business owners who’ve experienced significant loss and help them get back on their feet,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “They deserve every single dime they have been awarded.”