Sims effort to boost Illinois’ standing in film and TV industry becomes law

SPRINGFIELD—A proposal to make Illinois more attractive to film companies was signed into law today.

The plan, sponsored by State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), extends the length of the state’s film production tax credit with the aim of raising Illinois’ national standing in the film and television industry.

“This move will help put Illinois a step above our competition,” Sims said. “We have seen exponential growth over the years, and this tax credit would boost that by making the state more attractive to film and television companies around the world.”

The new law extends the end of the Film Production Tax Credit from Jan. 1, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2027.

“I am confident this plan will help this growing industry continue to thrive, while ensuring people working in the industry have access to stable, well paying, middle class jobs,” Sims said. “Extending the film tax credit will help us increase momentum in this industry across the state of Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1595 is effective immediately.

New Sims law helps put Illinoisans with criminal records back to work

CHICAGO—A new law sponsored by Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) will break down a barrier many in Illinois with criminal records face when trying to get a job.

The new law will prevent wait times for background checks by allowing individuals otherwise qualified for a direct care position to start a background check before receiving a job offer.

Currently, applicants have to wait for the offer first, holding up the employment process.

“This new law will help many throughout the state get their lives back on track,” Sims said. “It will put people back to work and help keep them out of our prison system. By getting these background checks done upfront, we provide a greater level of transparency between applicants and employers, avoid wait times and help Illinoisans with criminal records have a better shot at getting a job.” 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in health care occupations is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs. 

“Employers in the health care industry need to fill positions quickly, and with this new law we are giving them the tools they need to hire qualified candidates in the most efficient and effective manner possible,” Sims said. “This new law will help millions of people throughout Illinois get a second chance at fully reintegrating into society by eliminating this employment barrier.”

Senate Bill 1965 was signed into law Wednesday. It takes effect immediately.

Southland Regional Town Hall

RSVP here: www.SenatorElgieSims.com/SouthlandRegionalTownHall

74th Annual Midwestern Legislative Conference

It has been a busy and productive week at the 74th Annual Midwestern Legislative Conference. It was a pleasure to welcome legislators from all over the Midwest and Canada to Chicago. It was a great opportunity to come together with state leaders on both sides of the aisle to find common ground and develop ideas to help better the communities we serve. I was honored to be the chairman of the conference.