In an effort to fight obesity and other health issues, Chicago Democrat, State Senator Mattie Hunter has filed a plan to tax sugary drinks.

Sen. Mattie Hunter, Vice-Chair of the Senate Public Health Committee, filed a proposal on Valentine’s Day to add a penny-per-ounce tax to sugar-sweetened beverages. The tax is a part of the legislator’s push to decrease cases of obesity in the state.

From 1994-1996, Senator Mattie Hunter had the privilege of helping the people of South Africa by serving as the managing director for the Center for Health and Human Services in Johannesburg. In this video, she reflects on the experience and excitement of being a part of an international move to fight the effects of apartheid.

State Senator Mattie Hunter’s (D-Chicago) hard work in the Senate was acknowledged by Governor Pat Quinn during his State of the State address today.

Gov. Quinn spoke about the great progress the state has made this past year.  He highlighted the achievements of Majority Caucus Whip Mattie Hunter by noting that her efforts to establish a new revolving loan fund has led to an increase in minority state contracts.

Illinois has increased state contracts to minority and women-owned businesses by nearly 60 percent since the governor took office.