SPRINGFIELD – A bill by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure the provisions in the Community Health Worker Advisory Board Act are fully implemented advanced out of the Senate Thursday night.

“I am happy that the health care pillar was passed, and now we have to make sure that every measure is implemented the way we intended,” Hunter said. “With this follow-up legislation, we can finally bring the proper certification to these essential health workers.”

Senate Bill 336 will progress the full implementation of the community health worker certification program that was part of this spring’s House Bill 158. It also makes changes to reporting dates for commissions, task forces and boards.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure policies will be put in place if someone misses school due to pregnancy-related issues is now law.

“Pregnant women still deserve quality access to education,” Hunter said. “Girls should not have to miss out schooling just because they got pregnant.”

Under the law, all Illinois school boards will be required to adopt written policies related to absences and missed homework or classwork assignments as a result of or related to a student's pregnancy.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure kids’ meals have healthy beverage options as a default to combat the risk of health issues was signed into law Friday.

“Ensuring health for our children and future generations is something I am very passionate about, and I am proud that we were able to pass this legislation for our youth,” Hunter said. “Setting healthier beverages as the default for their meals will only set an example of healthy dietary habits for children to grow into.”

SPRINGFIELD – A proposal led by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to increase regulations for the prescription monitoring program is now law.

“Primary doctors must be aware of any prescriptions being prescribed or filled for their patients in addition to what they prescribe to ensure any unnecessary prescriptions can be eliminated,” Hunter said. “Opioid overdose rates have risen in Illinois over the last year, and I want to take all necessary precautions so that patients are not over-prescribed but get the help that they need.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure all new drivers are provided with guidance on how to interact with law enforcement during traffic stops has been signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker.

This legislation was prompted by the deaths of Daunte Wright, Sandra Bland, and many others in cases where traffic stops have escalated into police violence against Black Americans.

CHICAGO – This weekend, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) hosted her 17^th annual family health and fitness fair, which featured health screenings, giveaways, and live entertainment, among many other activities.

“I am glad that we had such a good turnout, and that attendees and vendors followed COVID-19 safety protocols,” Hunter said. “We had a good time while staying safe and healthy.”

In 2003, Hunter hosted her first health fair. After several successful years, she partnered with the Illinois Institute of Technology, and they’ve teamed up to offer free services like health screenings, school supplies, and food for more than a decade. This year, Hunter and IIT added COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, as well as back-to-school haircuts and braiding, to the list of important services offered to area residents.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) led an initiative that would extend the student-assistance contribution tax credit, which was signed into law Friday. 

“As college prices continue to rise, it is crucial that some incentives or financial relief are provided when possible,” Hunter said. “Children who have a savings account are more likely to go to college, so it is important to encourage planning early.”

CHICAGO – Health screenings, giveaways, live entertainment, and family activities will be available at this year’s Family Health & Fitness Fair, hosted by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

Held at the Illinois Institute of Technology for the seventeenth year in a row (minus last year due to COVID-19) this grand event will feature free immunizations, school supplies, and haircuts. More than 50 vendors will participate, which is the most in the event’s history.