State Senator Mattie Hunter, a constant champion for wellness in the General Assembly, helped Illinois take strides toward better public health when she passed out of committee a substantive measure dealing with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

“This is an extremely important health issue we must pay attention to and get serious about combating with increased understanding," Hunter said. "Education and greater awareness of this problem to save lives is our goal.”

Hunter is sponsoring House Bill 1455 declaring November COPD Awareness Month in Illinois.

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 Human Services Committee 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."

Progress toward establishing the state of Illinois’ premiere working capital revolving loan fund for small, minority and disadvantaged business contractors has been made thanks to the efforts of State Sen. Mattie Hunter.

“This loan fund is a novel program that we need as it’s going to bring new economic opportunities and benefits to Illinois minority and disadvantaged business contractors,” Hunter said.

Hunter, chief sponsor of House Bill 3267, says the legislation allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to provide low-interest loans from the established Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund to minority and disadvantaged business enterprise contractors.

State Sen. Mattie Hunter responded to today’s progress in regards to gaming expansion with the following statement:

“By expanding gaming, we will bring valuable dollars for our children and their education,” Hunter said, “which is critical for me. As well, this legislation presents a great opportunity for increasing Chicago tourism and revenue for both the city and state, which is important in light of the current economic crisis.”