Mattie Hunter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mattie Hunter
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| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 3rd district |
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| Assumed office January 8, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Elga L. Jefferies |
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| Born | June 1, 1954 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Monmouth College (BA) Jackson State University (MS) |
Mattie Hunter is an important politician who works in the Illinois Senate. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 2003, she has represented the 3rd district in Illinois. She helps lead the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus as its Senate secretary. She is also a Senate majority caucus whip, which means she helps keep her party's senators working together. Mattie Hunter also serves as the Democratic Committeewoman for the 20th Ward.
About Mattie Hunter
Mattie Hunter was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 1, 1954. She grew up in Chicago. She went to Monmouth College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. Later, she received a master's degree in Sociology from Jackson State University.
From 1982 to 2000, Mattie Hunter worked for the Human Resources Development Institute, Inc. (HRDI). She held many different roles there. From 1994 to 1996, she was the managing director for a health and human services center in Johannesburg, South Africa. She also gave talks and helped organize conferences in countries like Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Zambia. These events focused on health and human services.
Her Work in the Senate
Mattie Hunter became a state senator in Illinois in 2003. She took over the seat from Elga L. Jefferies. Before that, Margaret Smith had resigned from the Senate.
Laws She Helped Create
As a senator, Mattie Hunter has worked on many important laws. She helped pass a law to stop the sale and making of mercury fever thermometers. This helps protect people and the environment. She also supported creating workshops for families.
Senator Hunter also pushed for a law to fund a study. This study would look into the best ways to help people with obesity. To honor Jane Addams, a famous Illinois native, Hunter helped pass a bill. This bill made December 10 a special day called Jane Addams Day.
Her Committee Roles
Mattie Hunter is a key member of several Senate committees. She is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. She also serves on the Senate Local Government and Senate Government Committees.
As of July 2025, Senator Hunter is a member of these Illinois Senate committees:
- (Chairwoman of) Appropriations – Criminal Justice Committee
- Appropriations – Health Committee
- Appropriations Committee
- Behavioral and Mental Health Committee
- Energy and Public Utilities Committee
- Ethics Committee
- Executive Committee
- Executive Appointments Committee
- Executive – Gaming Committee
- Executive – Procurement Committee
- (Chairwoman of) Executive – Special Issues Committee
- Healthcare Access and Availability Committee
- Redistricting Committee
- Redistricting – Chicago South Committee
- (Chairwoman of) Revenue Committee
- Transportation Committee
