Following the governor’s annual budget address State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) released the following statement:

Here we are yet again, without a proposed balanced budget. The governor has failed his obligation to provide us with a balanced budget plan. Social service providers are closing their doors due to the lack of state funding causing continuing suffering to our most vulnerable.

Today, the governor addressed the heroin and opioid crisis plaguing our state. However, for two years, he’s failed to provide adequate funding for treatment centers and providers.  

A spoon full of sugar may help the medicine go down, but too much sugar in your diet can mean a lifetime of expensive health problems. That’s why Senator Mattie Hunter and the American Heart Association are teaming up to promote “Sugarless Wednesday”, an initiative aimed to raise awareness of the harmful effects of added sugar in our daily diets.

“Sugarless Wednesday” began Jan. 4 with a goal of people either eliminating soda or cutting back on sweets and sugary snacks each Wednesday of the month. Minority communities are disproportionately experiencing higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer which are often linked to excessive amounts of sugar consumption.

“By taking the proactive approach, I plan to protect children and families from the epidemic of diabetes, heart disease and obesity plaguing the country and this state,” said Hunter. “Sugary drinks and snacks contribute to more than 25,000 American deaths per year. We can reduce those deaths by starting programs that promote clean eating and exercise.”

On Monday, Senator Hunter toured the Exelon Generating Station located in the Quad Cities. Exelon Generation is one of the countries leading energy providers, generating power of 32,700 megawatts of nuclear, gas, wind, solar and hydroelectric. Senator Hunter serves as the chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee.

Please Join Third Legislative District Elected Officials
 
Senator Mattie Hunter
Representative Ken Dunkin
Alderman Pat Dowell
 
For a District-wide Townhall Meeting to address the issue of concealed carry 
 
Saturday, February 2, from 12:30 - 2:30 pm district-wide townhall meeting to address the issue of concealed carry 
 
Illinois Institute of Technology campus in the Tower Auditorium - 10 W. 35th  St., Chicago 
 
Senator Hunter invites everyone who wants their opinion heard to attend. 
 
Townhall co-sponsored by Youth Connection Charter School