Caucus News

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.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) that would protect individuals from lawsuits, calls from collection agencies, as well as other collection tactics and chargers for decades-old violations was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker Friday.

“There needs to be a statute of limitations for these sort of collections,” Hunter said. “People are getting calls about violations from several years ago, or are skeptical of the charges. Seven years is more than enough time for action to collect a debt.”

House Bill 862 places a cap of seven years after the date of adjudication for an action to collect a debt arising from a violation of a municipal ordinance.

CHICAGO – Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body— most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. This disease affects thousands of people in the U.S., and legislation sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to raise awareness of this disease was signed into law Friday.

“Though this disease is rare, it is crucial that we are more knowledgeable about it and how it affects our bodies,” Hunter said. “Sarcoidosis can sometimes lead to death and therefore must be taken seriously.”

House Bill 590 dedicates each April to promote the awareness of Sarcoidosis disease and treatment.

According to the Department of Public Health, Sarcoidosis often occurs in adults between 20 - 40 years of age, with women being diagnosed more frequently than men.

The disease is at least 10 times more common in African-Americans than in caucasians. People of Scandinavian, German, Irish, or Puerto Rican origin are also more prone to the disease.

The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not known. Some researchers and health care professionals believe it maybe a type of autoimmune disease associated with an abnormal immune response, but what triggers this response remains uncertain.

“It is important to be in tune with your body and always put your health first,” Hunter said. “Symptoms can range from mood swings to high blood pressure. Health professionals recommend that those who are diagnosed with Sarcoidosis have frequent checkups to monitor the illness and adjust treatment if necessary.”

This measure goes into effect in January 2022.