Sims: Budget proposal great start to support Illinois students

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement following the governor’s budget address on Wednesday:

“I am pleased the governor is renewing his commitment to provide a quality education for our young people.

“I support his pledge to increase investments in P-12 schools and MAP Grants for college students. These resources are crucial to set students on a path toward success.

“The proposed budget is a great foundation to pass a responsible, realistic and balanced budget.”

Honoring Diane Nash and student activists this Black History Month

This Black History Month, one person I want to highlight is Diane Nash.

Nash was born in Chicago. She participated in a variety of civil rights campaigns as a student activist, including lunch counter protests in Nashville, Freedom Rides and organizing voting drives with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Her efforts remind me of the work I see in the 17th District every day, including that of students of the Thornton Fractional High School District 215 who helped me pass Senate Bill 1970. This new law gives students two hours to vote during the school day.

I want to thank Diane Nash and anyone who has ever fought for equal voting rights.

Black History Month Celebration

Join us for the Black History Celebration on Thursday, Feb. 20, 5-9 p.m. at South Shore Cultural Center. It will be a fun-filled night, including comedy and a fashion show.

I hope to see you there!

Commission works to close any possible loopholes in ethics code

SPRINGFIELD—Members of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform heard feedback from witnesses on rules for state officials and employees in an effort to determine best practices and close any possible loopholes.

“We must address the crisis of confidence in our government by holding state leaders and employees to the highest of standards,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), who co-chairs the commission. “That includes, reviewing the rules and seeking input to find solutions which will hold bad actors who betray the public’s trust accountable.”

At the hearing, witnesses from the Secretary of State’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, Comptroller’s Office, Common Cause, Change Illinois, the Better Government Association and other advocacy groups testified.

The Executive Inspector General and Legislative Inspector’s General also participated in the hearing. The Executive Inspector General is an independent state agency that investigates misconduct of the executive branch and state agencies, such as the Department of Transportation, Department of Children and Family Services and Department of Agriculture. The Legislative Inspector’s General investigates complaints against members of the General Assembly and their employees.

The majority of the witnesses either must abide by the State Officials and Employee Ethics Act, or are responsible for enforcing it. For that reason, their input is crucial to bring light to any possible issues with the current ethics guidelines.

“It must be made known that individuals serving the state in any capacity will face consequences for breaking our ethics code,” said State Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago), co-chair of the commission. “To truly restore the public’s faith in government, they need to know we are tightening our ethics and disclosure laws, including tougher enforcement.”