New Sims law will require students to learn Illinois History

SPRINGFIELD—A plan to require Illinois history to be taught in schools was signed into law Friday.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr., a Democrat from Chicago, sponsored the bill that would create a requirement that Illinois history be taught in public schools.

“Teaching our future leaders their state’s history is a major step toward a better Illinois,” Sims said. “It is important that our students learn how our state got to this point, so they can get a deeper understanding of society and, hopefully, join the process of improving Illinois.”

Currently, there is not a specific requirement that Illinois history be taught as part of the U.S. history requirement in K-12 schools. The law does require the course to include a comprehensive idea of our democratic form of government, the role and contributions of African Americans, Hispanics and other ethnic groups, and the role of labor unions.

“Illinois government has a considerable effect on young people’s lives, especially when it comes to their education,” Sims said. “As state leaders, it’s important that we make it a priority to educate students about how the legislative process works and our great state’s history.”

Senate Bill 1601 requires schools to start teaching Illinois history during the 2020-2021 school year.

Side Hustle Success Workshop

Chicago Business Affairs Consumer Protection is hosting the Side Hustle Success Workshop on Wednesday, September 6 from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. 11th Floor, Room 1103, Chicago. You will hear from entrepreneurs who have turned their passion into a profit. This workshop is targeted at entrepreneurs looking to establish a business within the creative or arts sector. Our panelists will share their strategies on how they moved from side hustle to success.

Space is limited. Please reserve your attendance by calling 312.744.2086 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

More information here.

Sixth Annual Construction Conference & Expo

Learn more and register at: https://spcdmconstructioncareer.eventbrite.com

New Sims law brings Illinois IDs up to travel standards

SPRINGFIELD—A plan to update driver’s license services in Illinois to follow federal ID rules was signed into law Friday.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., a Chicago Democrat, sponsored the plan, which puts in place the REAL ID standards established by the federal government. Adopting the plan would prevent major travel difficulties for Illinoisans, as air travel security standards are set to mandate REAL ID standards for IDs.

“Updating Illinois IDs to REAL ID standards will prevent confusion and, more importantly, help to protect the people of Illinois as they travel,” Sims said. “The new law will help people avoid headaches as they go through airport or any other federal security.”

Illinois is compliant with the REAL ID Act. Current non-Real ID compliant driver’s license and identification cards will be accepted at airports until October 1, 2020. 

After this date, people with Illinois driver’s licenses and identification cards will need to provide additional documentation in order for their cards to become REAL ID compliant.

House Bill 2315 takes effect on Jan. 1.