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.
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
CHICAGO – State Senators Elgie Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) are inviting local minority contractors to participate in an informational discussion to learn how to conduct business with the Illinois Capital Development Board.
The virtual workshop will take place Thursday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m.
“Sustainable development is the pathway to the future that we want for everyone,” said Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “We have to ensure that we are providing a fair and inclusive environment to support diversity efforts in the construction industries. This way we develop a framework that generates economic growth for the entire state.”
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