That small bar brawl ten years ago or that reckless college decision to streak across campus will no longer prevent residents from finding employment. On Monday, the governor signed a new law sealing misdemeanor records which will give reformed offenders a second chance.

"We should not let people’s past mistakes ruin their chances for gainful employment,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who worked with State Representative Rita Mayfield on the measure. “When former offenders cannot find a legal means to support themselves, they turn to crime. This law will end the cycle by sealing the records of misdemeanor offenses.”

Children, families and residents filled Illinois Institute of Technology’s campus to receive free health screenings before the new school year. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and the Institute for Positive Living hosted their 11th Annual Health, Fun & Fitness Fair last Saturday.

“Every year, the Institute for Positive Living and I host this fair to offer families free health services,” said Sen. Hunter. as she spoke to the crowd. “We understand the difficulties of affording regular doctor visits, receiving immunizations every year and buying expensive school supplies. This is why we wanted to give back to the community.”

Illinois youth will now have greater say in their quality of care under DCFS and better opportunities to attend college with new scholarships thanks to State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

House Bill 4773 is the latest Hunter-supported measure aimed at reforming DCFS. The law requires the agency director to listen to youth advisory board recommendations.

Diabetics will no longer have to worry about being charged with indecent exposure while administering insulin shots in public. The health-rights plan sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter, a member of the Illinois Legislative Diabetes Caucus, was signed into law today.

“When someone needs an insulin shot, they do not have time to find the nearest restroom sometimes,” Hunter said. “This new law can save lives, end embarrassment and make it easier for people who already manage a difficult disease. As more Illinois residents develop diabetes, we need to have laws that reflect the growing need of timely care.”