With risk factors increasing and disease rates rising, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) has increased efforts to research asthma, which is one of the most common chronic disorders in children. Senate Bill 1846 will require, the Department of Public health to collect data about asthma rates and risk factors in school children.

“Asthma is a serious lung disease that can be life-threatening if not properly treated,” said Hunter. “Many children are missing school each day due to severe sicknesses from asthma. The state of Illinois needs to allocate additional resources to research asthma and prevention mechanisms. Though there is not a cure for asthma, my colleagues and I have been working to get in front of the problem.”

Under the Illinois Health Statistics Act, data are collected and maintained on obesity and disability, but not asthma. Senate Bill 1846 will assist researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, and parents in developing effective education, prevention, and treatment options.

According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among youth and affects 7 million American children. Asthma affects ethnic minorities and individuals in lower socioeconomic statuses at a higher rate, an issue that is over-looked.

The legislation becomes effective Jan. 1, 2018.

 State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) released the following statement after moving to override the governor’s amendatory veto to Senate Bill 1, a widely supported school funding reform measure:

“Today I moved to override the governor’s amendatory veto. For the first time in decades my colleagues and had a chance to do the right thing for schools and students across the state.

Many children have suffered at the hand of a broken system for far too long. Senate Bill 1 not only provides adequate dollars to the states most vulnerable students, but provides equality and parity for our school districts moving forward.

I came to this chamber in 2003, and since then our state’s school funding system, has maintained the status quo of unfairly pitting school districts against one another.

The override was necessary. This is about providing adequate dollars for all schools and future generations.  We need to save our schools and our students.”

SPRINGFIELD – At least 17 people were killed and 41 others wounded, including four teenagers, an eighth-grade student and twin 17-year-old boys, making it Chicago’s deadliest weekend of the year. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) released the following statement:

 “Our communities are in pain and instead of uniting, we find ourselves battling one another for survival. But if we continue to kill each other, who will uphold our legacies? It is disheartening to watch communities suffer at the hand of gun violence. I feel we, governmental officials, are not doing enough to work with troubled families. Chicago residents are in dire need of access to mental health services, substance abuse centers, after-school programs for youth and more employment opportunities for adults. Tirelessly, I will work this upcoming session to ensure we get a handle on the violence that’s killing our future by bringing the resources we need to our communities.”

On Saturday, October 15, Senator Hunter spoke at the Lincoln Park Chicago Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction and Akarama Foundation's joint Women's Conference. Sen. Hunter explained her role as a woman in leadership and politics. She highlighted her advocacy for women and children's rights while also expressing the importance of women empowerment.

"Women’s representation in leadership or political office is important because it empowers other women. Women empowerment serves as a tool that increases strength and develops confidence among all women. Still today the economy suffers because of the unequal opportunity for women in the workplace. Although we face many challenges, it is still necessary to achieve gender parity within governance," said Sen. Hunter.