CHICAGO— State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. advanced legislation out of the Senate, that would give community college boards of trustees and local housing authorities permission to develop affordable housing for community college students.

“There are many advantages to living on campus for students,” said Sims. “We all know that housing provides a place to lay your head, but the benefits go far beyond that, as studies show that students who live on campus complete more credit hours and have higher grade point averages. While also making campus resources like the library, labs and support services more easily available.”

Traditionally, community colleges do not have the right to own student housing. In order for community colleges to develop affordable housing for students, the process must be administered through a local Housing Authority or nonprofit organization.

CHICAGO— In an effort to provide instruction, training and support services to new and aspiring entrepreneurs, State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) is sponsoring House Bill 665, which would require the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to establish and support entrepreneurship assistance centers around the state.

“There are no simple rules or a checklist that can guarantee success as an entrepreneur,” Sims said. “Entrepreneurship is hard and often times presents many roadblocks in the early stages of planning. We want to make this process easier for those who have a passion to build their own brand while equipping them with the necessary skills to become successful.”

CHICAGO— Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of a Senate committee today to give community college boards of trustees and local housing authorities permission to develop affordable housing for community college students.

“This is about bettering the college experience for every student in this state,” said Sims. “Research shows that students who live on campus have higher GPAs. When students live on campus they are more plugged-in to the campus community and have more opportunities to join clubs, attend events and meet new people.”

Under current law, community colleges do not have the right to own student housing. In order for community schools to develop affordable housing for students, the process must be administered through a local Housing Authority or nonprofit organization.

Proponents of the bill also suggest that restricted housing on community college campuses fail to meet the needs of every student. Traditionally, community colleges catered to students living within a reasonable driving distance of the school. And while that arrangement works for some students, more students are facing a lengthy and costly commute that poses a challenging barrier to those living at a distance, including international students.

House Bill 374 passed out of the Senate Higher Education Committee and moves to the full Senate for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD- Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement following the guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin: 

“Today, the jury got it right. It confirmed what the entire world watched in horror, George Floyd was murdered in broad daylight with complete disregard for his humanity by disgraced former officer Derek Chauvin.

While this is the verdict the evidence supported and we were hoping for, we should not be distracted from the fact that there is still more work to do to ensure our system of justice is fair and equitable for everyone.   

It is important to realize that it takes more than just convicting officers of police misconduct to achieve real equity and justice.

Police reform goes beyond only holding those accountable who misuse their power, it calls for us to reimagine public safety and improve the profession of policing.

We need systemic changes to our public safety systems and fundamental changes in how force is used, particularly against Blacks and other people of color.

While some are tempted to celebrate this moment, we must remember that the Floyd family lost their loved one because of the callous disregard of his life by someone who was supposed to protect and serve him.

Let us use this moment as fuel to fight for fundamental changes in our systems of public safety. I remain hopeful that today’s verdict will continue those authentic conversations that lead to policy changes resulting in equity and justice for everyone regardless of skin color, ethnicity, zip code or social class.

I believe we are headed in the right direction but the only way we will get to true equity and justice is if we go there together. 

Say his name…George Floyd!”

SPRINGFIELD- Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) advanced legislation today to require that no child in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) store his or her belongings in plastics bags or inappropriate baggage while moving around within the system.

“Some of these children are forced to leave behind toys and other keepsakes because they simply do not have enough storage space for their belongings,” said Sims. “And what do you think that says to a child, when they can’t get a stuffed animal or family photo into a trash bag? This measure simply removes one of the challenges these children face within the DCFS system that seems small but is really about not being cruel.”

PARK FOREST – A virtual event to raise awareness about mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic will take place Monday, April 19 at 6 p.m., hosted by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago).

“As the pandemic wears on, people are continuing to face mental health challenges,” Joyce said. “Tune in next week to learn about the resources and programs available for folks in our community who may need additional support. Now more than ever, mental health must be a priority.”

Joyce and Sims will join mental health experts George Brassea, a licensed clinical professional counselor at True Heights Treatments, and Stacey Jones, a licensed clinical professional counselor and community domestic violence programmer at Counseling Works, for the event.

Panelists will discuss how the pandemic has affected mental health, as well as warning signs of anxiety and depression. They will also offer tips and share resources to help the community improve their mental health.

“Many factors like isolation, job loss and fear are triggering or worsening mental health conditions for many people around the world,” said Sims. “While avoiding this infectious disease we have to remind ourselves that it’s not just the body that can suffer, but our psychological state can also be at risk. This workshop will provide tools and resources to help all of us get through this difficult time together and healthily.”

The event will take place over Zoom and will be livestreamed on both Joyce and Sims’ Facebook pages. Questions can be submitted in the comments during the event. For more information, contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or Sims’ office at 773-933-7715.

Following Gov. Pritzker’s budget proposal speech Wednesday, Senate Democrats expressed their thoughts on the priorities he outlined and their concerns about the areas they feel must remain the focus as negotiations begin in earnest.

Senate Democrats’ top budget negotiators said they found much to like in Pritzker’s message but stressed that negotiations are just beginning.

“The governor has presented a budget plan that I believe has been put forward in good faith and that takes important steps to fund the vital criminal justice reforms we passed, including funding for additional law enforcement training and body cameras,” said State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago). “Likewise, I am heartened by his proposal to increase funding to some social services, including those that help people stay in their homes. As I prepare to negotiate further, I’m determined that these areas remain our unshakeable priorities.”

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago), who spearheaded the state’s comprehensive criminal justice reform package, is joining a well-known union group, the Illinois AFL-CIO, in disproving misinformation about House Bill 3653.

“Following dozens of hours of testimony during the fall months, I was proud to spearhead this measure to bridge the racial and socioeconomic divide in our criminal justice system, while keeping people safe,” Sims said. “There is a ton of misinformation about this legislation which says it will hinder the work of law enforcement officers — and that is simply not true. Most of the pieces of this measure are already in place at many law enforcement agencies.”

The bill does a number of things to help both law enforcement officers and at-risk communities. It amplifies law enforcement training standards and addresses officer wellness and mental health awareness.