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.

New Sims law ensures clean water for disadvantaged communities

SPRINGFIELD—A new law will help ensure disadvantaged communities will have clean drinking water.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) is the sponsor of a plan that requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to prioritize a portion of water infrastructure funding for low-income areas for five years to provide sustainable and equitable water management.

“People of all communities in Illinois should be able to turn on their faucet and find clean water,” Sims said. “With this new law, we are making sure that the water infrastructure in struggling communities is not underfunded.”

The bill also allows assistance to be used for a variety of research and improvement options, including water rate studies, training activities and aid for replacement of lead services lines.

“What we are doing is preventing a crisis like the one we saw in Flint,” Sims said. “I thank the governor and my colleagues for supporting this legislation that puts the health and well-being of all Illinoisans first.”

House Bill 2650 was signed into law today. It is effective immediately.