Sims supports ethics reform to create transparency in state government

CHICAGO—State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to Senate Bill 539, a comprehensive plan that changes the code of ethics for Illinois public officials and governmental entities:

“The values and expectations of political morality are derived from the principles of Justice. This bill puts real teeth into our current lobbying practices while addressing consultant loopholes and enhancing transparency.

“While more work remains to be done to restore the faith Illinois citizens have in their government,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. “They demanded real ethics reform like those included in this bill, changes like stopping the practice of legislators using their influence to lobby other governments and working to enact pro-rated salaries for legislators who leave office before the end of their term. Many of the changes included in this bill place Illinois on the path to restoring the faith citizens must have to make our democracy successful.

Our work continues…”

Youth in DCFS custody to receive proper baggage when transferring through the system

 SPRINGFIELD- Children in custody under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will now receive appropriate baggage under a new law sponsored by Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago).

“This measure simply removes one of the challenges these children face within the DCFS system which may seem small but is really about not being cruel,” said Sims. “It’s not fair for some of these children to have to choose between toys and other keepsakes when moving because they simply do not have enough storage space for their belongings.”

Under current law there are no restrictions or requirements for what kind of baggage can be used in the relocation processes of youth.

In some cases, children were found storing or carrying their belongings in garbage bags while moving around within the child welfare system. Senate Bill 2177 seeks to ban giving children in custody plastic bags, trash bags, pillow cases and similar containers to store their personal belongings.

The initiative, led by the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter, will become effective immediately.

Sims’ plan to expand agricultural education for students becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – Agricultural sciences will now be added as a type of course that may be counted towards the requirement for three years of sciences in order to gain admission to an Illinois public university under a plan backed by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago).
“The study of agriculture is vitally important, and our curricula should reflect that,” said Sims. “It’s exclusion as an option of course study for admission did students who plan to one day work in the field a huge disservice.”

Currently, the minimum requirements to gain admission to state universities include the completion of at least 15 units of high school coursework in the following subjects: English, Social studies, Mathematics, (Laboratory) Sciences and electives in either foreign language, music, vocational education, or art.

Currently, some colleges may accept agricultural science under the auspice of a "science course" but not all are doing so. This legislation will add some conformity to the available options.

“There a wide variety of subjects taught in agriculture, whether it be math, economics, biochemistry and more.” Sims said. “I’m proud of the work done to expand studying options as every course should be considered equal for our students and their studies.”

House Bill 3218 was signed into law, and will become effective immediately.

Senate Appropriations, Commerce Committees to hold joint hearing on Back 2 Business grant program

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) and members of the Senate Appropriations and Commerce Committees will hold a joint hearing Thursday, Aug. 12 at noon to discuss the Back 2 Business small business recovery program. 

“It has remained a top priority of mine to help all small businesses build back better,” said Sims, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. “And I’m especially eager to ensure dollars reach the communities hardest hit by the pandemic.”

The B2B program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, is expected to distribute $300 million in economic relief to small businesses across the state to help offset losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only testimony on the subject matter will be heard.

“With the livelihoods of so many Illinoisans hanging in the balance, it’s critical that state agencies are transparent and accountable,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), who serves on both committees. “I look forward to the opportunity to make our small business owners’ voices heard.”

A livestream of the committee hearing can be viewed when proceedings begin at www.ilga.gov.  

Who: Members of the Senate Appropriations and Commerce Committees

What: Subject matter hearing on the Back 2 Business grant program

When: Thursday, Aug. 12 at noon

Where: Room C600 of the Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60601 or Virtual Room 1 on www.ilga.gov