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 Human Services Committee 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."

Progress toward establishing the state of Illinois’ premiere working capital revolving loan fund for small, minority and disadvantaged business contractors has been made 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.

State Sen. Mattie Hunter responded to today’s progress in regards to gaming expansion with the following statement:

“By expanding gaming, we will bring valuable dollars for our children and their education,” Hunter said, “which is critical for me. As well, this legislation presents a great opportunity for increasing Chicago tourism and revenue for both the city and state, which is important in light of the current economic crisis.”

Responding to the significant need to provide for the health care of Illinois’ elderly, Sen. Mattie Hunterbacked legislation offering relief for the Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program that offers in-home care and community-based services for senior citizens.

“This issue is important to me and the 3rd District I represent that maintains one of the highest populations of residents receiving Medicaid and where many residents benefit from the senior home health services provided with this program,” Hunter said. “That’s what I support and that’s what we here in the General Assembly are accomplishing with this effort.”