Senator Hunter speaks at Women in Leadership Conference

On Saturday, October 15, Senator Hunter spoke at the Lincoln Park Chicago Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction and Akarama Foundation's joint Women's Conference. Sen. Hunter explained her role as a woman in leadership and politics. She highlighted her advocacy for women and children's rights while also expressing the importance of women empowerment.

"Women’s representation in leadership or political office is important because it empowers other women. Women empowerment serves as a tool that increases strength and develops confidence among all women. Still today the economy suffers because of the unequal opportunity for women in the workplace. Although we face many challenges, it is still necessary to achieve gender parity within governance," said Sen. Hunter.

Senator Hunter unveils 10th annual Ticket for the Cure

This year marks the 10th year Illinois has offered residents the instant scratch-off game, which funds community and research grants to fight breast cancer and promote breast cancer awareness.

This program enables advocates to stand up and say they are committed to fighting breast cancer by helping fund research and treatment for the victims.

In 2005, then-Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) sponsored Senate Bill 1 to create the Ticket for the Cure, which was a democratic initiative with bipartisan support. This ticket marked the first time in US Lottery history where 100 percent of proceeds supported programs and research initiatives that would help diagnose and treat the deadly disease.

That means 100 percent of the funds raised from this initiative are awarded to not-for-profit institutes and organizations to help Illinois women and their families.

The Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure Grant Fund revenue is distributed to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Since 2006, the IDPH has awarded almost $7 million in grants to community organizations and approximately $2.5 million in breast cancer research grants.

"Leading this initiative has been one of my proudest accomplishments and one that has succeeded beyond our initial planning. I stand here today asking you to encourage your family, friends and neighbors to continue supporting this amazing cause by purchasing the Carolyn Adams Ticket for the Cure lottery tickets and to continue fighting breast cancer in other ways. Together we will find a cure," said Sen. Hunter.

Sen. Hunter visits the Exelon Power Plant

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.

Hunter welcomes trauma center to Chicago’s south side

CHICAGO–  The University of Chicago will open its first trauma center on the city’s South Side. The university broke ground Sept. 15 as city and state leaders announced the benefits of the location being on the university’s campus. The new unit is expected to save lives and create 1,000 permanent jobs for students and Chicago-area residents.

The project was announced in September when the university originally pledged to help open a trauma center at Holy Cross Hospital. In addition to the trauma center, the layout proposal included the construction of a larger emergency room and an expansion plan to the current cancer treatment facility.

“For years, residents have been forced to travel to the suburbs and other areas for quality care,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).  “It’s important that trauma patients are transported to the right hospitals where they can be properly treated. Due to the extremely high levels of violence in many communities around the city’s South Side, I’m hopeful the new center will save lives and provide services to those who need immediate medical attention.”

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