Sims: New law will help lower alarming maternal death rate

SPRINGFIELD— A plan sponsored by State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) that aims to help lower the alarming maternal death rate in Illinois was signed into law Friday.

The plan will create a Diversity in Health Care Professions Task Force in an effort to develop strategies that will lead to increasing the number of minority health care professionals in Illinois.

“It is important that the health care field is a diverse one, as diversity improves the quality of the services and care provided,” Sims said. “Our health care providers are providing good, quality services; however, many times the health care needs of women, particularly black women and other women of color, aren’t taken seriously until it’s too late. This new law will help diversify the field of physicians and other health care professionals to ensure these mothers receive sound medical advice and the highest quality of care.”

The bill requires the task force to prepare annual summary reports and recommendations to the governor and legislature starting Dec. 1, 2020.

House Bill 2896 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

You're invited: Back 2 School Family Fun and Wellness Fair

You're invited to the Back 2 School Family Fun and Wellness Fair that we are hosting this Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Avalon Park. That’s located 1215 East 83rd Street here in Chicago.

I will also be joined by State Representative Nick Smith of the 34th House District and Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore.

There will be a school supply giveaway, free food and free health screenings. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information call my office at (773) 933-7715.

I hope to see you and the whole crew at the fair!

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.