Sen. Hunter works to expand asthma research and prevention

 With risk factors increasing and disease rates rising, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) has increased efforts to research asthma, which is one of the most common chronic disorders in children. Senate Bill 1846 will require, the Department of Public health to collect data about asthma rates and risk factors in school children.

“Asthma is a serious lung disease that can be life-threatening if not properly treated,” said Hunter. “Many children are missing school each day due to severe sicknesses from asthma. The state of Illinois needs to allocate additional resources to research asthma and prevention mechanisms. Though there is not a cure for asthma, my colleagues and I have been working to get in front of the problem.”

Under the Illinois Health Statistics Act, data are collected and maintained on obesity and disability, but not asthma. Senate Bill 1846 will assist researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, and parents in developing effective education, prevention, and treatment options.

According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among youth and affects 7 million American children. Asthma affects ethnic minorities and individuals in lower socioeconomic statuses at a higher rate, an issue that is over-looked.

The legislation becomes effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Sen. Hunter moves to provide adequate funding for all schools in Illinois

 State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) released the following statement after moving to override the governor’s amendatory veto to Senate Bill 1, a widely supported school funding reform measure:

“Today I moved to override the governor’s amendatory veto. For the first time in decades my colleagues and had a chance to do the right thing for schools and students across the state.

Many children have suffered at the hand of a broken system for far too long. Senate Bill 1 not only provides adequate dollars to the states most vulnerable students, but provides equality and parity for our school districts moving forward.

I came to this chamber in 2003, and since then our state’s school funding system, has maintained the status quo of unfairly pitting school districts against one another.

The override was necessary. This is about providing adequate dollars for all schools and future generations.  We need to save our schools and our students.”

Hunter measure guarding against cybersecurity breaches signed into law

In an effort to protect governmental information from phishing schemes and coordinated cyber-attacks legislation backed by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) was signed into law that will require state employees to take cyber-security training on an annual basis.

“Hacking experts are becoming more creative by identifying new ways to obstruct governmental information systems,” said Hunter. “Training our employees in cybersecurity is critical in reducing the risks of such sophisticated attacks.”

The initiative was modeled after a Florida law which was enacted to ensure that the state’s data and staff resources are maintained reliably and safely and are recoverable in the event of a disaster.

“This legislation will not only improve the accessibility of electronic information and information technology but will increase education, employment and access to governmental information and services,” said Hunter.

The security training attached to House Bill 2371 will include:

• Detecting phishing scams
• Preventing spyware infections
• Preventing identity thefts
• Preventing and responding to data breaches

The legislation becomes effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Expanding the Organ Donor Registry becomes law

With nearly 5,000 people on the organ donor waiting list, families may soon see a second chance at life for their loved ones thanks to legislation passed by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) that will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to register for the state’s First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry when they receive their driver’s license or identification card.

“Choosing to give life to another is a wonderful gift,” Hunter said. “Opening the donor registry will broaden the number of overall donations and save countless lives. For donors, their decision to register can turn a troubling time into a source of comfort for families and individuals in need. The campaign has not only been designed to increase the donor registry list, but to also celebrate those that have helped save lives through the gift of donation.”

Under current law, an individual must be at least 18 to join the registry. While this legislation leaves the decision up to teenagers, Senator Hunter encourages youth to discuss their decision with their parents.

By joining the First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry, 16- and 17-year-olds can give consent to donate their organs and tissue at the time of their death. However, the procurement organizations, Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Network and Mid-America Transplant, are required to contact a parent or guardian to ensure approval of the donation. Ultimately, the parent or guardian will have the opportunity to overturn the child’s decision.

The legislation becomes effective immediately.