True to her belief that quality medical care is what everyone deserves, Sen. Mattie Hunter supported a measure that won the approval of the Senate extending health care assistance opportunities to the imprisoned.

"Whether in jail or not, you are a person and your health is valuable and a priority," Hunter said. "That is what I'm trying to achieve with this legislation. Being in a penitentiary in no way equates to an individual being undeserving of quality medical attention."

Hunter is sponsoring House Bill 1046 regarding medical aid eligibility for incarcerated individuals not already enrolled for health care assistance. The measure allows prisoners to apply for such service prior to their scheduled release date. The legislation gives those currently imprisoned the opportunity to apply for medical assistance any time while serving their sentence instead of being made to wait until 30 days before they are released.

A longtime, consistent voice for public health, safety and youth issues, Sen. Mattie Hunter advanced her initiative calling for prevention of Chicago’s profound youth violence problem.

“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,” Hunter said. “We must act because the fact that more adolescents are killed in Chicago than any other U.S. city is simply unacceptable. We owe it to our children to do our utmost in protecting them.”

State Senator Mattie Hunter has a long tradition of advocacy of minority disparities and breast cancer issues. The Senate Majority Caucus Whip continued that legacy this week as she passed out of committee legislation addressing breast health education for minorities.

“Minorities facing breast surgery are not being made aware of all of their options,” Hunter said. “Overcoming this disparity by inspiring greater awareness and educating citizens on all their choices is what we’re accomplishing with this legislation.”

An essential part of Chicago history and culture, DuSable High School located on the city’s South Side was granted landmark status by the City Council last fall.

This Friday, May 3, the institution, which remains a staple in the education and lives of Bronzeville residents, will pay tribute to state government officials that were essential in gaining landmark status for DuSable.

Among the notable public servants being honored for their efforts is State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).