Instead of chasing the heroin epidemic, we need to get in front of it

As a follow up from her press conference last November, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) held a meeting, Friday, February 24th to discuss the next steps in fighting the heroin epidemic plaguing Illinois.

She invited legislators, organizations and individuals around the state who have been instrumental in the fight.

Before joining the legislature in 2003, Sen. Hunter worked as a certified drug and alcohol counselor and prevention specialist.

She has championed this issue while working to bring healing and peace to families and their loved ones struggling with drug addiction.

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More Jobs Less Violence

State Senator Mattie Hunter(D-Chicago) joined local leaders and activists at the Chicago Urban League for the Youth Employment Hearing: More Jobs Less Violence.

Watch full hearing below.

Sen. Hunter and Secretary White push the organ donor registry out of committee

Secretary of State Jesse White joined State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) in the Senate Public Health Committee today, to announce new legislation that would 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.”

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 and Secretary White encourage youth to discuss their decision with their parents.

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Sen. Hunter: The Governor has turned his back on Illinois once again

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.  

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