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 was signed into law Friday.

“Ensuring health for our children and future generations is something I am very passionate about, and I am proud that we were able to pass this legislation for our youth,” Hunter said. “Setting healthier beverages as the default for their meals will only set an example of healthy dietary habits for children to grow into.”

CHICAGO – This weekend, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) hosted her 17^th annual family health and fitness fair, which featured health screenings, giveaways, and live entertainment, among many other activities.

“I am glad that we had such a good turnout, and that attendees and vendors followed COVID-19 safety protocols,” Hunter said. “We had a good time while staying safe and healthy.”

In 2003, Hunter hosted her first health fair. After several successful years, she partnered with the Illinois Institute of Technology, and they’ve teamed up to offer free services like health screenings, school supplies, and food for more than a decade. This year, Hunter and IIT added COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, as well as back-to-school haircuts and braiding, to the list of important services offered to area residents.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) that would protect individuals from lawsuits, calls from collection agencies, as well as other collection tactics and chargers for decades-old violations was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker Friday.

“There needs to be a statute of limitations for these sort of collections,” Hunter said. “People are getting calls about violations from several years ago, or are skeptical of the charges. Seven years is more than enough time for action to collect a debt.”

CHICAGO – Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body— most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. This disease affects thousands of people in the U.S., and legislation sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to raise awareness of this disease was signed into law Friday.

“Though this disease is rare, it is crucial that we are more knowledgeable about it and how it affects our bodies,” Hunter said. “Sarcoidosis can sometimes lead to death and therefore must be taken seriously.”