SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation focused on improving the lives of children in state care by providing enhanced support to relative caregivers and reducing barriers to permanency passed the Senate on Thursday.

“Current licensing procedures create unnecessary roadblocks to financial assistance for relatives serving as caregivers,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Research shows children are better off when they can maintain connections to their families and traditions. We need to provide these families with the support they need to make this possible.”

SPRINGFIELD — Despite research indicating improved stability and emotional well-being for children placed with relative caregivers, over 60% of these caregivers in Illinois are denied the financial support received by unrelated foster care parents. To address this disparity, State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a measure through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday aimed at removing barriers and strengthening kinship care.

“We know children are more likely to thrive when they remain connected to their families and culture,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “However, many relatives who step into the caregiver role — often at a moment’s notice — face significant financial challenges.”

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrated her 20^th Family Health and Fitness Fair this month, empowering residents with free health screenings and streamlined access to local and state services.

“When I hosted my first health fair 20 years ago, it was a small event in a parking lot. We saw about 20 people show up,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Now we’ve partnered with Illinois Institute of Technology, using a large, visible outdoor space with more vendors inside. We’ve been able to help thousands of residents over the years achieve better health through education and resources, all while having fun.”

SPRINGFIELD — Despite making up only 2% of Chicago’s population, Black women and girls account for about 30% of the city’s missing persons cases — an alarming disparity that remains the key focus of the Task Force for Missing and Murdered Chicago Women. To support ongoing efforts to address this issue, State Senator Mattie Hunter passed a bill through the Senate on Sunday that would add two seats to the task force for Chicago police officers.

“The number of missing Black women and girls — and families left without answers — is unacceptable,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Chicago police officers’ firsthand experience with these cases, paired with improved data practices, will be instrumental in finding these women and ensuring justice is served.”

SPRINGFIELD — Building upon her work to establish a task force for missing and murdered Chicago women, State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a bill Wednesday that would add two seats to the task force reserved for Chicago police officers.

“Local police officers have firsthand experience with missing persons cases,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “It’s been noted that the data collection processes surrounding these cases is not up to the level it should be. We need to bring the Chicago Police Department to the table to hear what their practices are, how information is being managed and how we can move forward with effective solutions.”  

SPRINGFIELD — A longtime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, State Senator Mattie Hunter declared May 1, 2024 as AKA Day in Illinois in recognition of the sorority’s history of uplifting women, building friendships and giving back to the community.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha is a cornerstone of the African American community, providing a platform for service and sisterhood,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Throughout the country and beyond, AKA chapters play an important role in empowering Black women, equipping them with the skills and support needed to become leaders of positive change.”

Founded in 1908 at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest African American sorority in the United States. With over 360,000 members in chapters across the world, AKA’s mission is to cultivate scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, help alleviate problems concerning women, maintain a progressive interest in college life and be of “service to all mankind.”

SPRINGFIELD — To raise awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health, particularly among minority communities, State Senator Mattie Hunter passed a resolution declaring April 2024 as Minority Health Month in Illinois.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death among minority populations. We need to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to best manage their health,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By taking a proactive approach, we not only promote healthier lives but can alleviate strain on our health care system.”

Senate Resolution 738 urges Illinoisans to learn more about risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels — commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol” — which can be significantly influenced by an individual’s health habits. The measure also urges the Illinois Department of Public Health to update the state’s cardiovascular plan to accelerate improvements for better health outcomes among individuals with cardiovascular disease and calls for increased cholesterol tests during April.

Hunter’s resolution comes as cardiovascular disease remains a national public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the U.S. suffers a heart attack every 40 seconds, with 80% of these events considered preventable.

“This resolution is another step in the state’s commitment to improving minority health outcomes,” said Hunter. “I encourage everyone to prioritize their well-being and learn more about cardiovascular health.”

Senate Resolution 738 was adopted by the Senate on Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD — Individuals with asthma could see significant savings on their prescription inhalers thanks to legislation from State Senator Mattie Hunter that passed the Senate on Thursday.

“No one should struggle to afford their medication while big companies profit,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “While insurance plans cover a portion of asthma treatment costs, we can do more to eliminate the barriers individuals face when trying to manage this long-term condition.”

Senate Bill 3203 limits the cost an individual with health insurance pays for an inhaler to $25 for a 30-day supply. Under Hunter’s measure, health insurance providers would be prohibited from denying or limiting coverage for prescription inhalers beginning Jan. 1, 2026.