New law promotes specialized care for medically-complex individuals with developmental disabilities

A new act to protect medically-complex individuals with developmental disabilities was recently signed into law. State Senator Mattie Hunter’s initiative ensures residents in specialized care facilities will be afforded the opportunity to address issues that are unique and distinct to their population.

“Residents with life-long developmental disabilities receive care from as young as three months to 75 years of age,” said Hunter, a career advocate for public health and human services. “Protecting the ten specialized facilities across Illinois will make sure patients receive better care.”

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Sen. Hunter invites families of victims of violence to balloon release

Chicago families who have lost loved ones to violence are invited to join State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who recently lost her nephews to violence, for a commemorative balloon release on Saturday, August 1st at the 12th Annual Health, Fun and Fitness Fair.

The balloon releases will be held at 10:45 a.m. at the Illinois Institute of Technology, located at 33rd and State Street. Local ministers will gather for a call-to-action against violence.

“Restoring the family structure in our neighbors can end violence. I want to stand with families in mourning to celebrate the lives of our loved ones. Together, we must all consciously commit to changing the community culture of crime, death and despair,” Hunter said.

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New study shows sugary drinks contribute to 25,000 American deaths per year

In June, the scientific journal Circulation published a new study showing that consuming sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, fruit drinks, sports drinks and sweetened coffees and teas are linked to 25,000 American deaths per year. In light of that information, State Senate Majority Whip Mattie Hunter, (D-Chicago) is continuing to push for legislation that would place a small excise tax on sugary drinks to help fund health programs for those suffering from related illnesses and hopefully sway public opinion toward a healthier lifestyle.

“This recent study shows that action in needed. This is costing people lives and costing taxpayers millions to pay for the health care,” Hunter said. “It’s only fair that the products contributing to the epidemic of diabetes, heart disease and obesity help pay the tab.”

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Senator Hunter’s Medicaid transparency plan becomes law

A good-government law promoting greater transparency about Medicaid applications was signed into law today.

“Examining trends of long-term care applications for Medicaid can reduce our backlog and improve government efficiency,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “In the past year, DHS and DHFS reduced their backlog from 12,500 pending cases to less than 6,000.”

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