Chicago State University receives funding to address student homelessness thanks to Sims support

CHICAGO – With support from State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Chicago State University will receive $200,000 to address student homelessness and help provide necessities many students lack.

“When students lack basic necessities – like food or housing – they lack the stability to allow them to reach their full potential,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Chicago State University will now have the resources to uplift its most vulnerable students, putting them on the path to success.”

The End Student Housing Insecurity grants were awarded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and will be used to support ongoing efforts to address systemic causes of student homelessness and basic-needs insecurity. Chicago State University is one of 10 institutions chosen by the IBHE.

The grants were awarded by a competitive application process, based on the school’s ability to address primary causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity, and to help students overcome barriers to graduation. The $200,000 investment to Chicago State University is just one step in the state’s higher education plan to close equity gaps for students.

“Students should not have to worry about food or housing insecurity during an already stressful season of their life,” said Sims. “The grants will allow students to focus on their education rather than on how they’re going to put food on the table.”

For more information on the End Student Housing Insecurity grants, click here.

Sims to giveaway 300 Ring cameras to seniors

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is donating Ring Video Doorbells – as well as installation and a lifetime subscription – to 300 seniors in the community in partnership with Amazon and Phalanx Family Services this holiday season.

“Providing local seniors with Ring doorbell cameras is an important safety initiative to provide our aging neighbors with the security they deserve,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Many older adults live alone, are away from their family, or may have trouble making it to the door. Using a Ring camera will help give them information they need about who is visiting their homes.”

Sims is giving away 300 Ring Video Doorbells to keep seniors safe. The video doorbells feature a built-in camera and two-way talk, so people can hear and see whomever is at their door. The video doorbell also can send notifications to a phone or tablet when someone is at the door.

Residents who receive a camera from Sims will also be gifted free installation, as well as a lifetime monitoring subscription that will be covered by Amazon.

To be eligible, seniors must live in the 17^th Senate District, have internet capability, and have a hard wire hook up where their current doorbell is. 

Seniors in the 17^th Senate District can request a Ring camera by calling Sims’ office at 773-933-7715 or by visiting www.SenatorElgieSims.com/RingCameraGiveaway.

Youth solitary confinement to end Jan. 1 under Sims law

SPRINGFIELD – Children who are detained will no longer be able to be held in solitary confinement starting Jan. 1 thanks to advocacy from State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“Sadly, across the nation, young people are being held in solitary confinement for unreasonably long periods of time, sometimes spending 22 hours or more alone each day,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “That is inhumane and can cause long-term grave psychological, physical and developmental harm.”

Sims’ law prohibits the use of solitary confinement on young detainees in detention centers for any purpose other than preventing immediate physical harm.

Young people in solitary confinement are isolated both physically and socially, often for days, weeks, or even months on end. Sometimes there is a window allowing natural light to enter or a view of the world outside cell walls. Sometimes it is possible to communicate by yelling to other inmates, with voices distorted, reverberating against concrete and metal. Occasionally, they get a book or bible, and if they are lucky, study materials. But inside this cramped space, few contours distinguish one hour, one day, week, or one month, from the next.

“For children, who are still developing and more vulnerable to irreparable harm, risks are magnified – particularly those with disabilities or histories of trauma and abuse,” said Sims. “Children should not be deprived of the services, programming, and other tools they need for healthy growth, education, and development. We should be helping children grow into productive and healthy adults, not harming them, this is particularly true when they have come into the criminal legal system. If we are going to have true safety and justice, we must invest in a criminal legal system that creates pathways to success not one that tears down our young people and creates a cycle of recidivism.”

House Bill 3140 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Sims passes measure to end predatory pawnbroker practices

SPRINGFIELD – After months of negotiations, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. passed a measure to enhance oversight over the pawnbroker industry.

“Working with consumer advocates and other interested stakeholders, we passed a comprehensive plan to ensure transparency and ethical practices within the pawnbroker industry,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “The Predatory Loan Prevention Act stopped many forms of predatory lending in Illinois, and we are working to continue down that path.”

Sims’ measure creates the Pawnbrokers Regulation Act of 2023, regulating how a pawnbroker can operate and conduct its operations to ensure they are being fair, transparent, and equitable. It gives the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation authority to oversee and regulate the industry. Further, it establishes a complaint and penalty system, which could result in the termination or suspension of a pawnbroker’s license.

As part of the Black Caucus’ Four Pillar Agenda in 2021, Sims was instrumental in passing the Predatory Loan Prevention Act. The PLPA was aimed at reining in the high-interest, short-term loan industry. The bill passed today by the Illinois Senate creates a robust, consumer-focused regulatory process aimed at building on the work started with the passage of the PLPA.

Sims worked alongside IDFPR, various consumer advocates, and the Illinois Pawnbrokers Association to put forth House Bill 779 to ensure the pawnbroker industry is safe and well-regulated.

“Today’s bipartisan action helps to protect people who are struggling and need to use the services of a pawnbroker,” said Sims. “We must stop predatory practices in any lending industry by giving consumers the peace of mind that they will be dealt fairly and equitably.”

House Bill 779 passed the Senate Wednesday.