Today, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D – Chicago) advanced the fight against diabetes by having House Bill 1815 signed into law. This new law creates a Diabetes Awareness licenses plate. A portion of the plate’s fees will be donated to the Diabetes Research Check-off Fund which makes grants to public or private entities in Illinois for diabetes research.

“People are suffering from this debilitating disease at an alarming rate,” said Senator Mattie Hunter, Chairperson of the Human Services Committee. “We need to continue searching for prevention methods and ways to improve the lives of those suffering from this affliction.”

Exemplifying her belief that quality medical care is what everyone deserves, Sen. Mattie Hunter championed an initiative extending health care assistance opportunities to the imprisoned recently signed into law  by Illinois’ chief executive.

"Whether in jail or not, you are a person and your health is valuable and a priority," Hunter said, "That is what I'm trying to achieve with this legislation. Being in a penitentiary in no way equates to an individual being undeserving of quality medical attention."

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State Sen. Mattie Hunter, a constant champion for good health in the General Assembly, helped Illinois take strides toward improved public health when she passed out of the Senate four initiatives promoting awareness and education of important health issues such as asthma, breast cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“These are all important health issues we must pay attention to and get serious about combating with increased understanding," Hunter said. "Education and greater awareness of these problems to better and save lives is our goal.”

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State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is chief co-sponsor of a measure that will mandate all sexual education courses offered in Grades 6-12 in Illinois teach abstinence and contraception as viable pregnancy and venereal disease prevention methods.

“It’s never too early or inappropriate to teach good health and prevention,” Hunter said in response to her backing the highly scrutinized legislation. “You’re never too young to be empowered to take care of your well-being.”

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