This month, the Illinois Senate passed bipartisan plan designating 2015 as the Year of Service and Engagement.   Sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), the resolution declares to strengthen infrastructure of volunteerism in the State.

“Volunteerism is a part of Illinois’ history and culture,” said Hunter, Majority Caucus Whip. “We’re a state built on the foundations of service and organized movements that have influenced the rest of the country.”

Plans to create a youth substance abuse working group and juvenile justice advisory council sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) gained Senate approval this month. The plans aim to reduce substance abuse among teens and end minority disparities in the juvenile justice system.

“Ignoring signs of youth substance abuse leads to preventable health problems once they are adults,” said Hunter, member of the Senate Public Health Committee. Hunter saw the ill effects of unaddressed youth substance abuse firsthand during her years as a drug and abuse counselor. “Intervening once children are adults is too late. That’s why the working group will help families and communities educate our youth about addiction.”

Plan to legalize public self-administration of insulin sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) gained house approval on Friday. The measure would reduce public health scares for diabetics and guardians of children with diabetes.

“As a child, I had to learn how to administer my mother’s insulin shot,” said Hunter, member of the Illinois Legislative Diabetes Caucus. “I understand firsthand that timely insulin injections can save lives.”

From district office interns to young professionals, minority students enter public service and the business world thanks to Chicago State University’s Public Policy Scholars Program collaboration with State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

“Coming from Robert Taylor Holmes, I understand that we have very intelligent people, eager to learn, who need a chance,” Hunter said. “Someone gave me a chance. Now I’m doing the same for the next generation.”