From 1994-1996, Senator Mattie Hunter had the privilege of helping the people of South Africa by serving as the managing director for the Center for Health and Human Services in Johannesburg. In this video, she reflects on the experience and excitement of being a part of an international move to fight the effects of apartheid.

State Senator Mattie Hunter’s (D-Chicago) hard work in the Senate was acknowledged by Governor Pat Quinn during his State of the State address today.

Gov. Quinn spoke about the great progress the state has made this past year.  He highlighted the achievements of Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter by noting that her efforts to establish a new revolving loan fund has led to an increase in minority state contracts.

Illinois has increased state contracts to minority and women-owned businesses by nearly 60 percent since the governor took office.

When authorities in July found the tortured, broken body of 8-year-old Gizzell Ford lying among trash in an Austin apartment, it became yet another heartbreaking example of the failings of the state’s child welfare system.

It’s a tragic scene that happens far too often in Illinois. Over the past five years, more than 450 children have died from abuse and neglect, and recent numbers from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services show the annual death toll is rising.

State Senator Mattie Hunter, a Chicago Democrat and longtime child welfare advocate, wants changes.