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 was born on June 1, 1954. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 2003, she has represented the 3rd district in the Illinois Senate. She holds important roles, serving as the Senate secretary for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. She is also the Senate majority caucus whip, which means she helps keep her party organized.
About Mattie Hunter
Mattie Hunter grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She went to Monmouth College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. Later, she continued her studies at Jackson State University, where she received a master's degree in Sociology.
Before becoming a senator, Mattie Hunter worked for the Human Resources Development Institute, Inc. (HRDI). She held many different positions there from 1982 to 2000. For a few years, from 1994 to 1996, she was a managing director. This role was at the Center for Health and Human Services in Johannesburg, South Africa. She also gave talks and helped organize events about health and human services in countries like Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Zambia.
Her Work in the Illinois Senate
Mattie Hunter became a state senator in 2003. She was chosen to take over from Elga L. Jefferies, who had been appointed after Margaret Smith left the Senate. Mattie Hunter was officially sworn in on January 8, 2003.
As a senator, Mattie Hunter has worked on many important laws. She helped pass a law to stop the sale of mercury fever thermometers. She also supported creating workshops that help families. Senator Hunter pushed for a study to find the best ways to treat obesity. To honor Jane Addams, a famous Illinois native, she helped make December 10 Jane Addams Day.
Mattie Hunter is a leader on several important committees in the Illinois Senate. 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 2022, Senator Hunter leads or is a key member of several committees. She is the chairwoman of the Appropriations – Criminal Justice Committee. She also chairs the Executive – Special Issues Committee and the Revenue Committee. These committees help decide how money is spent and how laws are made in Illinois.
