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.”

CHICAGO— Community college boards of trustees and local housing authorities will now have authority to develop affordable housing for community college students under a new law sponsored by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago)

“This will be a major bonus for not only students but community colleges as well,” Sims said. “There are many advantages to living on campus for students, but the benefits go far beyond having an onsite dorm room or apartment. Studies show that students who live on campus complete more credit hours and have higher grade point averages.”

Traditionally, community colleges do not have the right to own student housing. In order for community colleges to develop affordable housing for students, the process must be administered through a local Housing Authority or nonprofit organization.

Advocates for the law also suggest that restricted housing on community college campuses fails to meet the needs of every student. Traditionally, community colleges have catered to students living within a reasonable driving distance of the school, but while that arrangement works for some students, more students are facing a lengthy and costly commute. That can present a challenging barrier to those living at a distance, especially for students who live internationally.

CHICAGO— Today, the Illinois Senate approved a budget plan that puts Illinois back on the path toward fiscal stability. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

"We have approved a budget plan that I believe is balanced, responsible and puts us on a path toward a brighter future. Not only is this budget balanced, it provides stability by making our full required pension payment, paying down the borrowing we needed last year and funding many of our priorities to put our state on the right path.

"I am especially proud of our investments in education, small businesses and local governments. We will meet our Evidence Based Funding obligations to our local school districts, which will advance our students and teachers, and we’re keeping funding for public universities and community colleges whole.

"As a member of the Illinois legislative Black Caucus and sponsor of its criminal justice pillar, I am also proud that this budget funds the enhanced training and other associated improvements passed earlier this year to enact the SAFE-T Act.

"This budget plan sets Illinois up for success, not just this year, but for years into the future."