In her continued efforts to reduce youth violence in Chicago, State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation to create the Youth Violence Prevention Task Force was signed into law. House Bill 2879 authorizes the task force to increase awareness by providing job opportunities, social and education initiatives, safe havens and other opportunities for violence prevention for at-risk youth.

“Youth violence has devastated our nation as homicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 29, and the epidemic is particularly rampant in Chicago,” State Senator Mattie Hunter said. “We must act now because more adolescents are killed in Chicago than any other U.S. city is simply unacceptable. We owe it to our children to do our best to protect them.”

Today, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D – Chicago) advanced the fight against diabetes by having House Bill 1815 signed into law. This new law creates a Diabetes Awareness licenses plate. A portion of the plate’s fees will be donated to the Diabetes Research Check-off Fund which makes grants to public or private entities in Illinois for diabetes research.

“People are suffering from this debilitating disease at an alarming rate,” said Senator Mattie Hunter, Chairperson of the Human Services Committee. “We need to continue searching for prevention methods and ways to improve the lives of those suffering from this affliction.”

Majority Caucus Whip State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) has worked over the last four years to create a program that would help to alleviate disparities in the construction industry. On Tuesday, the Governor will sign legislation that establishes a working capital revolving loan fund for disadvantaged business enterprises that have been awarded a current contract to complete construction work with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

"I have worked tirelessly to create a state financing program that will level the playing field for all businesses by providing working capital to contractors who are shut out by the banks but, are qualified to successfully complete state construction projects," Hunter said. "A subcontractor's inability to attain lines of credit severely hinders them from attaining bonding or becoming prime contractors. This legislation works to eliminate one of the major barriers to meeting those goals."

Senator Mattie Hunter held her 10th Annual Health Fair at the Illinois Institute of Technology on August 3. The fair included public services, hair cuts and massages along with a number of entertainment acts.

To view footage from the fair: