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Hunter measure to study food desert reduction efforts in Illinois

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Sunday, June 01, 2025 01:32 AM
  • Task Force
  • HB1607
  • Eliminating Food Deserts

053125CM0067resizeSPRINGFIELD — As many communities in Illinois still grapple with limited access to quality, healthy food, State Senator Mattie Hunter is sponsoring a measure aimed at looking into the effectiveness of efforts to reduce food deserts.

“Access to quality and fresh food is a basic right that each person in our community deserves,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Although the state has taken steps to address these inequities, it is imperative that we continue to reflect on the initiatives aimed at addressing this issue and learn more about what can be done in the future.”

Read more: Hunter measure to study food desert reduction efforts in Illinois

Hunter-sponsored measure to ensure patients can designate an emergency contact at hospitals

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Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 06:19 PM
  • Hunter
  • Hospitals
  • HB 1332
  • Emergency Contact

Senator Mattie Hunter

SPRINGFIELD — To further ensure patients seeking care have a chance to designate an emergency contact, State Senator Mattie Hunter is spearheading a measure to require hospitals to provide an opportunity to gather contact information.

“When someone goes to a hospital, their first worry is not when they should tell the staff who to contact in case of emergency — it’s to receive care and alleviate their symptoms,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we have procedures in place to ensure the hospital can gather the information they need without placing the burden on the patient to remember to provide it.”

House Bill 1332 would require hospitals to present a patient with the opportunity to designate an emergency contact, as well as to authorize the hospital to share protected health information with this contact.

Read more: Hunter-sponsored measure to ensure patients can designate an emergency contact at hospitals

Hunter honors life of former Cook County commissioner and soul singer Jerry ‘Iceman’ Butler

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Thursday, March 06, 2025 04:28 PM
  • SB0149
  • Jerry Butler

 Senator Hunter

SPRINGFIELD — To recognize and honor former Cook County Commissioner and soul singer Jerry “Iceman” Butler, State Senator Mattie Hunter sponsored a resolution declaring March 12, 2025 as “Jerry Butler Day” in Illinois.

“Jerry ‘Iceman’ Butler was a dedicated public servant, talented artist and a loving neighbor,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Recognizing his life is an honor as he dedicated his life to advocating, supporting and championing efforts to ensure everyone had access to the care they need.”

Through the resolution, Jerry “Iceman” Butler is remembered for his contributions and work as a Cook County commissioner, as well as his lasting music career. He was raised in Chicago’s Near North Side neighborhood, and lived in the Cabrini-Green Public Housing Development. He attended Washburne Trade School, where he studied to be a chef, but later embarked on a journey in music where he achieved fame as a member of the musical group The Impressions and later toured as a solo artist.

Read more: Hunter honors life of former Cook County commissioner and soul singer Jerry ‘Iceman’ Butler

Hunter law strengthens family-centered foster care placements

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Wednesday, February 05, 2025 01:06 PM
  • Hunter
  • Slideshow
  • KIND Act
  • HB 4781

Hunter KINDActSPRINGFIELD — Illinois families will soon have greater support in caring for children involved in the foster care system, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Mattie Hunter.

“Maintaining connections to families and traditions is critical for youth in care,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “When family members step up to care for a child, they shouldn’t have to navigate complex processes to access available support or resources.”

House Bill 4781 — also known as the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act — aims to reinforce family connections and improve outcomes for children in foster care. This new law will strengthen family engagement by requiring the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to notify relatives within 30 days of a child’s entry into care.

Read more: Hunter law strengthens family-centered foster care placements

Senate passes Hunter legislation strengthening relative foster care

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Thursday, November 21, 2024 02:25 PM
  • DCFS
  • Slideshow
  • Kinship in Demand (KIND)
  • HB4781
  • Children in Foster Care

Senator Mattie Hunter

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.”

Read more: Senate passes Hunter legislation strengthening relative foster care

Hunter leads measure to prioritize kin-first foster care placements

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 04:57 PM
  • DCFS
  • Foster Families
  • Family Connections
  • Kinship in Demand (KIND)
  • HB4781

hunter 111924SPRINGFIELD — 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.”

Read more: Hunter leads measure to prioritize kin-first foster care placements

Hundreds served at Hunter’s 20th annual health fair

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Thursday, August 22, 2024 11:10 AM
  • Hunter
  • Free Health Screening
  • Access to Services

hunter 082124CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter celebrated her 20th 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.”

Read more: Hundreds served at Hunter’s 20th annual health fair

Senate approves Hunter’s measure to expand task force for missing women

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Thursday, May 30, 2024 12:09 PM
  • Task Force
  • HB4261
  • Missing and Murdered Chicago Women
  • Black Women and Girls

hunter 053024SPRINGFIELD — 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.”

Read more: Senate approves Hunter’s measure to expand task force for missing women

More Articles …

  1. Hunter works to expand task force for missing women
  2. Hunter highlights service, advocacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority
  3. Hunter leads resolution declaring April 2024 as Minority Health Month
  4. Senate advances Hunter bill to make asthma inhalers more affordable
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