Preceded by Margaret Smith Name Mattie Hunter Political party Democratic Role Legislator | Profession Social worker Party Democratic Party Religion Baptist | |
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Born June 1, 1954 (age 69)
Chicago, Illinois ( 1954-06-01 ) Alma mater Monmouth College (B.A.)
Jackson State University (M.S.) Residence Chicago, Illinois, United States Education Monmouth College, Jackson State University | ||
IL Senator Mattie Hunter Encourages Sugarless Wednesdays
Mattie Hunter (born June 1, 1954) is a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 3rd district since 2003. She is the Senate secretary for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and the Senate majority caucus whip.
Contents
- IL Senator Mattie Hunter Encourages Sugarless Wednesdays
- Early life
- Public service
- Senate career
- References
Early life
Hunter is a native of Chicago. She earned a degree in Government from Monmouth College and went on to get a master's degree in Sociology from Jackson State University. She is also a certified alcohol and drug counselor and prevention specialist.
Public service
From 1982 to 2000, Hunter served in numerous capacities with Human Resources Development Institute, Inc. (HRDI). She was the Managing Director of the Center for Health and Human Services located in Johannesburg, South Africa from 1994 to 1996. She participated, coordinated and presented lectures at numerous health and human services conferences in Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Zambia. Those conferences include Human Resources Development Institute/ South African Department of Health Workshop and the U.S. State Department Alcohol and Drug abuse taskforce.
Senate career
Hunter was appointed senator in 2003 to assume the seat vacated by Senator Margaret Smith.
As senator, Hunter has sponsored legislation to ban the sale, distribution, and manufacture of mercury fever thermometer and encouraging the creation of family friendly workshops. She also pushed for legislation that would fund a study to determine the best methods to treat obesity. To honor Illinois native, Jane Addams, Hunter helped pass a bill to designate December 10 as Jane Addams Day.
Hunter is Vice Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, she also serves on the Senate Local Government and Senate Government Committees.