Collins calls for action on gender-based violence, economic opportunity, health care

SPRINGFIELD – Convened to study and recommend legislative solutions to systemic problems women face in all parts of life, the Illinois Council on Women and Girls issued its first report yesterday.

The report, available in full here, highlights the barriers women face under the law and makes 14 specific recommendations related to gender-based violence, academic and economic opportunity, leadership and inclusion, and health care.

CHICAGO – As an international transportation hub, Chicago is a major venue for one illicit industry: Human trafficking.

Targeting victims who often have tenuous legal status or are otherwise without resources, human trafficking often goes unreported unless concerned citizens discover it and act to inform the authorities. As Human Trafficking Awareness Month comes to a close, State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) announced legislation that would expand awareness training to include more types of service jobs in Illinois, giving employees the tools to spot and report human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is industrialized kidnapping and modern-day slavery,” Collins said. “By expanding this training program, we are empowering more citizens to know when and how to step forward and do the right thing. These crimes against humanity are hiding in plain sight here in Illinois, and we must all be vigilant.”

CHICAGO – Metra representatives broke ground on a new train station at 79th Street and South Lowe Avenue this Monday morning after State Senator Jacqueline Collins successfully secured state funding for the facility.

Speaking during a groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site of the planned station in the northeastern part of the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, Collins said the station represents a new investment in the community.

“Today, I join with my neighbors, other elected officials and many civic leaders in looking forward with joy and hope to the construction and opening of the new station,” Collins said. “I sincerely believe that in years to come we will view this investment as a turning point in the renewal of this Southside neighborhood, whose flourishing will enrich us all.”

Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) joined Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday for a brief ceremony welcoming students back to school at the new, $85 million STEM high school in Englewood.

Community members and the media attended to watch Lightfoot cut the ribbon at the ceremony and help ring the starting bell on the new school. The neighborhood school will focus on instructing students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. About 400 freshman students will make up the graduating class of 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Collins issued the following statement today as Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law the remaining pieces of legislation in a plan by her and State Rep. Mary Flowers to reduce rising infant and maternal mortality rates:

“It’s fitting that this action comes the day after Black Women’s Equal Pay Day and mere days before Women’s Equality Day, because this is another stark reminder of how systemic bias harms not only women, but the many lives that a woman’s life touches,” Collins said. “When women of color’s medical concerns are ignored, their families pay the price.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Collins issued the following statement as Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law her measure, House Bill 2118, continuing a program to provide government assistance to foreign-born victims of trafficking, torture or other serious crimes”

“Whether flying into O’Hare or driving across I-72, we play host to many people passing through, not just from other states, but from around the world. That means that we bear some responsibility as citizens of the world,” Collins said. “When we travel, we hope that we encounter a good Samaritan should misfortune befall us. We can do no less than the same for other travelers here. I applaud the governor’s action today.”

The law extends the sunset date on a program to provide government assistance to foreign-born victims of trafficking, torture or other serious crimes from June 30 of this year to June 30 of 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Collins issued the following statement today as Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law her plan to bring civics education to elementary schools:

“An informed and active electorate ready to take on their social responsibilities must have a firm understanding of government and society,” Collins said. “It’s not enough that we teach our children basic skills. We also need to open their eyes to their place in society.”

House Bill 2265 provides that, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, every public elementary school shall include in its 6th, 7th or 8th grade curriculum at least one semester of civics education.

The new law takes effect July 1, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jacqueline Collins issued the following statement as Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law House Bill 51, the Peter Mendez Act:

“Peter Mendez was nine years old in 2017 when Chicago police, acting on inaccurate warrant information, raided his family’s home in error and pointed weapons at him. His harrowing story and others brought to light by CBS News reporter Dave Savini this past year spurred me to sponsor this law,” Collins said.

The law directs police training schools to include instruction on ensuring the physical safety and well-being of a child of an arrested parent or immediate family member while at the same time maintaining the integrity of the arrest and safety of officers, suspects, and other involved individuals. Instruction must also cover de-escalation tactics and procedures for inquiring whether a child will require supervision and care arrangements.

“This is about what we accept when we give police the authority to use force,” Collins said. “These incidents are not merely careless or erroneous, they are civil rights violations. We cannot tolerate the careless use of force.”

The law takes effect Jan. 1.