CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) joined Governor Pritzker and other state officials at Loretto Hospital for the bill signing of the Hospital Transformation bill Friday morning.

“I am very excited that hospitals will have the assistance necessary to help them transform to meet the needs of their communities, as the pandemic has exacerbated the struggles faced in many unprivileged communities, some of which I represent,” Hunter said. “Due to institutional racism, communities of color have been suffering from a plethora of health disparities even before the pandemic came and took the world by storm. With the proper funding and investment into these underserved communities, I am hopeful this initiative will help put an end to such barriers.”

The signing of Senate Bill 1510 authorizes the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to expend the dollars identified during the Fiscal Year 2020 Hospital Assessment Program that were targeted for health care transformation. Thus, the $60 million previously allocated will send additional funding to  Illinois through federal matching funds, resulting in a total of $150 million available for investment in improved health care and innovation.

This policy change jump starts a patient-centered approach that focuses on the needs of Illinois’ most distressed communities in a manner that is data driven and outcome oriented.  It calls for innovative solutions to complex challenges in the health care delivery system that incorporates strategies that are grounded by data, community input, and are measurable with an emphasis on outcomes.

“I am excited that this law will target vulnerable communities and allow for the funding of innovative partnerships connecting clinical care and strategies to address the social determinants of health,” Hunter said. “It is vital that we emphasize the value of collaboration between the clinical environment and community-based organizations with expertise in the areas that significantly impact health outcome – and this measure does just that.”

The measure was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.

CHICAGO – Over the last year, food insecurity doubled in U.S. the population overall and tripled for Illinois households with kids, which is why State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is supporting a roadmap to end hunger in the state of Illinois.

“Too many people were struggling from food insecurity and lack of access to nourishment far before the pandemic,” said Hunter. “Lack of nourishment is linked to a plethora of health problems and must be put to an end. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, regardless of race, region, or income. I am happy to support this initiative and hope to see these disparities eradicated in Illinois.”

CHICAGO – Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a new law that invests $150 million in health care services for underserved communities while encouraging a collaborative environment among local stakeholders. The approach acknowledges particular challenges to achieving high-quality health services and responds based on a case-by-case system.

“This is a bottom-up approach for all communities in Illinois. Ultimately, we want to make sure that no matter where you live in our state, there should be high-quality health care available to every community,” said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago), a co-sponsor of the law and advocate for the Hospital Transformation Program.

The disparities in access to health care services in the city of Chicago alone are so extreme that the neighborhood where someone lives can dramatically impact their life expectancy.

PEORIA – Peoria County is set to receive over $1 million in funding for construction projects over the next three years, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced today.

“The Peoria area will see jobs for the next few years and reliable infrastructure long into the future as a result of this funding,” said Koehler. “Good infrastructure is the foundation we build the future on.”

PEORIA – Tazewell County is set to receive over $800,000 in funding for construction projects over the next three years, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced today.

“Not only will this investment create jobs for hardworking individuals in the area for the next few years, but it will also ensure that we have reliable infrastructure in our community for years to come,” said Koehler.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To address the growing student debt crisis, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) introduced legislation that would provide a loan repayment option for public school social workers that could cover up to $6,500 of a student’s debt.

“The student debt crisis is crushing our school social workers,” Gillespie said. “These careers typically require high educational requirements, with compensation that is less than adequate.”

The legislation would require the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) to consider up to $6,500 in loan repayment assistance to borrowers with loans related to a degree in social work. Recipients must be employed at a public elementary or secondary school in Illinois for at least one year. Gillespie’s proposal also grants priority to applicants who are members of underrepresented communities in the social work field.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are over 1.6 million student borrowers in Illinois with a collective $60 billion in student debt.

The legislation, Senate Bill 662, awaits consideration in the Senate Higher Education Committee.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) is thrilled to announce that Champaign County is set to receive more than $960,000 in construction funding over the next three years. 

“This investment solidifies our state’s commitment to creating jobs and fostering growth during these extremely difficult economic times,” Bennett said. “These much-needed funds will be provided to Champaign County under the Rebuild Illinois program, giving our community the opportunity to invest in local priorities.”  

Rebuild Illinois, which Bennett helped pass in 2019, has allocated $1.5 billion in funding specifically for municipal- and county-level projects. Infrastructure investments improve safety, quality of life and the economy, which contributes to the revitalization of communities across the state.

“Investments in our transportation infrastructure allow our community and our state to stay competitive,” Bennett said. “I’m extremely proud to have been part of this tremendous state investment.”

Projects are selected and managed locally in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Transportation, and may include road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs.

A complete list of local agencies and awards can be viewed here

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) announced many communities in the district she represents are set to receive funding for transportation projects under the Rebuild Illinois capital program, including a grant for $1.2 million to the city of Elgin.

“It’s great to see such a strong investment in infrastructure from these grants,” Castro said. “The fact that these grants are going to local governments means these communities can redirect money that would otherwise be going toward things like fixing up roads and bridges to other parts of their budget.”