Legislation establishing the state of Illinois’ premiere working capital revolving loan fund for small, minority and disadvantaged business contractors is now on the way to the Governor’s desk thanks to the efforts of State Sen. Mattie Hunter.

“This loan fund is a novel program that we need as it’s going to bring new economic opportunities and benefits to Illinois minority and disadvantaged business contractors,” Hunter said.

Hunter, chief sponsor of House Bill 3267, says the legislation allows the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to provide low-interest loans from the established Working Capital Revolving Loan Fund to minority and disadvantaged business enterprise contractors.

As an Alpha Kappa Alpha sister, State Sen. Mattie Hunter expressed her enthusiasm and support for Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in Illinois.

"Alpha Kappa Alpha is a true cornerstone of our African-American community," said Hunter. "AKA plays an important role in developing black female leaders and serving our communities. This sisterhood is a foundational part of our heritage as black women."

Hunter is co-sponsoring a resolution designating May 15, 2013 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in Illinois in recognition of the organization's diligent work and service to the community.

True to her belief that quality medical care is what everyone deserves, Sen. Mattie Hunter supported a measure that won the approval of the Senate extending health care assistance opportunities to the imprisoned.

"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."

Hunter is sponsoring House Bill 1046 regarding medical aid eligibility for incarcerated individuals not already enrolled for health care assistance. The measure allows prisoners to apply for such service prior to their scheduled release date. The legislation gives those currently imprisoned the opportunity to apply for medical assistance any time while serving their sentence instead of being made to wait until 30 days before they are released.

A longtime, consistent voice for public health, safety and youth issues, Sen. Mattie Hunter advanced her initiative calling for prevention of Chicago’s profound youth violence problem.

“Youth violence has devastated our nation as homicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 29, and the epidemic is particularly rampant in Chicago,” Hunter said. “We must act because the fact that more adolescents are killed in Chicago than any other U.S. city is simply unacceptable. We owe it to our children to do our utmost in protecting them.”