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.”

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.”

Free health and fitness services, back-to-school supplies, activities and food will be available for families and residents from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and the Institute for Positive Living are providing free health screenings. For the first time, Hunter will join the families of victims of violence and families for those who have lost loved ones to breast cancer for consecutive balloon releases at 10:45 a.m.

The 12th Annual Health, Fun & Fitness Fair, located at the Illinois Institute of Technology on 33rd and State St., will offer free eye and dental examinations, health screenings and provide information on nutrition, exercise and holistic health. The festivities will include raffles, prizes, food and refreshment.

Services may soon resume for seniors, wards of the state and families who rely upon state-funded public health and Department of Children and Family Services’ care. The Illinois Senate overrode the governor’s veto of the Department of Public Health and DCFS’s budget today.

“Providing vital services for seniors, families and at-risk children are our state’s top priority,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “I urge the governor to join us in protecting our most vulnerable residents. We should not put their lives in limbo while we debate on how to run our state.”