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Ninth criminal justice reform hearing called by Black Caucus centers on police decertification

Details
Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 06:21 PM
  • Sims
  • Peters
  • Criminal Law
  • Public Safety
  • Legislative Black Caucus
  • Police Accountability
  • Police Licensure

police reform 111020CHICAGO – Illinois legislators continue their discussion on police reform in the ninth hearing called by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, this time focusing on decertification and licensure of police officers.

“To achieve meaningful criminal justice reform, we must develop the appropriate solutions to prevent bad actors from continuing to work in law enforcement,” State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) said. “We seek police reform that will not only hold officers accountable, but maintain morale and help rebuild the fractured relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

Committee members heard testimony from the Office of the Attorney General, the Illinois State’s Attorneys Association, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Chiefs of Police, the Police Benevolent & Protective Agency, BPI Chicago and the Advisory Panel for Improving Illinois’ Police Decertification Laws.

Sims co-chaired the joint Senate hearing with State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Special Committee on Public Safety. Chair of the House Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee State Representative Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) and other committee members also participated as guests.

"This has been a big issue this year," Peters said. "It's great that we're finally having an official discussion, and I hope this can lead toward further efforts to win safety and justice in our communities."

"As we continue to examine ways to eliminate racism and police brutality, it is important to consider police licensing and decertification measures,” said Slaughter. “Preventing law enforcement officers who are found guilty of certain types of misconduct from being re-hired by other agencies is a necessary step in addressing the racism and inequality that exists in our current criminal justice system. We must hold our officers to a higher standard to build trust and help keep our communities safe." 

Criminal justice reform is the first of four pillars the Black Caucus is using to guide their agenda to address systemic racism. They include:

  1. Criminal justice reform, violence reduction and police accountability
  2. Education and workforce development
  3. Economic access, equity and opportunity
  4. Health care and human services

Unsafe for session: COVID ‘tsunami’ postpones legislative session

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Category: Senator Don Harmon News
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 05:17 PM
  • Harmon
  • COVID-19
  • Veto Session

harmon mask 111020SPRINGFIELD — A renewed surge in COVID-19 infections forced the postponement of the upcoming General Assembly veto session at the Capitol, legislative leaders announced Tuesday.

“The front page in today’s Springfield paper warns of a COVID ‘tsunami’ sweeping the region and its health care system. This is not the time to physically bring together hundreds of people from all around the state. Given what’s happening, it was an obvious decision. It’s not safe or responsible to have a legislative session under these circumstances,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon.

 

Read more: Unsafe for session: COVID ‘tsunami’ postpones legislative session

Belt: We must continue to encourage businesses to recognize the benefits of a diverse workforce

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Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 01:22 PM
  • Belt
  • Legislative Black Caucus
  • Racial Disparity
  • Workforce Diversity

belt 11142019CM0789rEAST ST. LOUIS – As people of color continue to face barriers when trying to enter the Illinois workforce, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) says businesses must be encouraged to recognize the benefits of a diverse staff.

“Companies need to understand the value of recruiting and retaining diverse employees, as these workers play a vital role in a company’s ability to adapt, grow and sustain a competitive advantage,” Belt said. “We must continue to encourage businesses to recognize the benefits of a diverse workforce and promote equity for all racial backgrounds.”

On Tuesday, the Senate Executive, Commerce and Economic Development, Transportation, and State Government Committees held a joint hearing to discuss diversity in procurement, Business Enterprise Programs, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise policies, and labor unions. The following issues were some of the biggest focal points:

  • Increasing participation in trade unions, getting card carrying members into jobs, getting people out of the apprenticeship’s programs and into jobs, identifying community-based organizations that can serve as pre-apprenticeship practitioners
  • Increasing pre-apprenticeship programs that are tied directly to unions
  • Identifying barriers for potential applicants

Tuesday’s hearing was part of a series of discussions prompted by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus on eliminating systemic racism in the state. There was another hearing on Tuesday, and the next hearing will take place on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. covering age equity, workers’ rights, and consumer protection. 

To view virtual committee proceedings, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will become available when proceedings begin.

Gillespie highlights National Apprenticeship Week

Details
Category: Senator Ann Gillespie News
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 12:52 PM
  • Apprenticeship
  • Gillespie

pexels andrea piacquadio 935756ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week this week, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) is celebrating and encouraging those interested to find out more about how to secure an apprenticeship.

“Apprenticeships are crucial in the development of new and young professionals,” Gillespie said. “They provide individuals with work place experiences, which then prepares them to become a productive member of the work force.”

Read more: Gillespie highlights National Apprenticeship Week

Van Pelt promotes National Apprenticeship Week

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Category: Senator Patricia Van Pelt News
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 10:13 AM
  • Apprenticeship
  • Department of Labor
  • Van Pelt

pexels pixabay 159306CHICAGO – This week marks the sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is encouraging Chicagoans to participate in local apprenticeships.

“For years, this week has always been a time for workers to promote growth in business and employment,” Van Pelt said. “This year, as millions struggle with unemployment, I encourage people to use this time to explore training options and learn a new skill.”

Read more: Van Pelt promotes National Apprenticeship Week

Glowiak Hilton highlights National Apprenticeship Week

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Category: Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton News
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 10:09 AM
  • Glowiak Hilton
  • Apprenticeship
  • Labor

pexels malte luk 2244746OAKBROOK TERRACE – To acknowledge the community contributions provided by labor workers, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 8-14.

“Apprenticeships give trade students a head start on fulfilling, successful careers in the labor industry by providing quality experience and opportunities,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Working families are the foundation of our community, supporting our safety, prosperity and economic development, and I commend their daily contributions, especially during National Apprenticeship Week.”

Read more: Glowiak Hilton highlights National Apprenticeship Week

Black Caucus calls criminal justice reform hearing focusing on decertification and licensure

Details
Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Monday, November 09, 2020 05:19 PM
  • Sims
  • Peters
  • Police
  • Legislative Black Caucus
  • Police Licensure

police 110920CHICAGO—This week’s criminal justice reform hearing prompted by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will focus on police reform in terms of decertification and licensure.

Senate Criminal Law Chair State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) and Senate Public Safety Special Committee Chair State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) will co-chair the joint hearing. State Representative Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago) of the House Judiciary-Criminal Law Committee and other members of the committees will participate as guests.

 

Read more: Black Caucus calls criminal justice reform hearing focusing on decertification and licensure

Hunter ready to reform Illinois’ health care system

Details
Category: Senator Mattie Hunter News
Monday, November 09, 2020 04:49 PM
  • Public Health
  • Hunter
  • Economic and Health Disparities
  • Legislative Black Caucus

hunter 02272020CM0351CHICAGO – Following the Senate Public Health and Health and Human Services final hearing on the Legislative Black Caucus’ four pillar agenda, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) says she is ready to continue reforming the state’s health care system.

“Our health care system is deeply flawed, but over the last few weeks, we’ve heard many recommendations on where to start reforming it,” Hunter said. “We must all be more informed about health literacy and examine the social determinants of health so that everyone has equal access to nourishment and well-being.”

Read more: Hunter ready to reform Illinois’ health care system

More Articles …

  1. Belt and Senate legislators to host hearing on diversity
  2. Joyce secures temporary COVID-19 testing site in Kankakee, urges residents to get tested
  3. Bennett celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
  4. Villivalam urges residents to take advantage of a free, temporary COVID-19 testing site in Lincolnwood
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