Hunter’s initiative to increase healthy beverages in kids’ meals passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure kids’ meals have healthy beverage options as a default to combat the risk of health issues is headed to the House.

“Improving the nutritional quality of restaurant children’s meals can help improve diet quality and cultivate lifelong healthy eating behaviors, which help children grow up at a healthy weight,” Hunter said. “If we can prevent children from having certain illnesses and behavioral issues, we should do everything in our power to do so.”

Read more …

Hunter reacts to Chauvin verdict

CHICAGO – A jury found ex-police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd, nearly a year after the world watched Floyd’s death on tape. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“While I’m pleased that the jury made the right decision, this verdict will not bring George Floyd back. As a country, we still have a long way to go to fully eradicate racism.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues to enact legislation that rectifies some of the horrors Black, Brown, and other marginalized communities have had to endure at the hands of police and other branches of government struggling with built-in racist policies and cultures.

“I hope that this verdict brings some sense of resolve to George Floyd’s family and that the dialogue on how to better race relations continues in this country.

“We have to be better, and we all have a part to play to ensure there are no more tragedies like the murder we witnessed last summer.”

Hunter pushes for healthy beverages in kids’ meals

SPRINGFIELD – According to the CDC, six in 10 young people and five in 10 adults consume a sugary drink each day. A measure by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to ensure kids’ meals have healthy beverage options as a default to combat the risk of health issues passed the Senate Tourism and Hospitality Committee Thursday.

“Improving the nutritional quality of restaurant children’s meals can help improve diet quality and cultivate lifelong healthy eating behaviors, which help children grow up healthier,” Hunter said. “If we can prevent children from having certain illnesses and behavioral issues, we should do everything in our power to do so.”

Read more …

Hunter seeks an end to hair discrimination with CROWN Act

SPRINGFIELD – A 2019 Dove study found that African American women face the highest instances of hair discrimination and are more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is working to ensure this will no longer be the case in Illinois.

“No one should have to miss out on a job opportunity or miss a school graduation because of the hair that grows naturally out of their head,” Hunter said. “It’s 2021. As a nation, we should be past this petty discrimination.”

Read more …