CHICAGO—Today, members of the Illinois Senate voted to clarify language in SAFE-T Act, a law passed early this year, championed by State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) that works to address police reform and sentencing reform, eliminate the cash bail system and establish violence reduction initiatives. After its passage State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Public safety has always been the number one priority of the SAFE-T Act and our goal remains the same— to create safer communities. That's why, when negotiating these changes, we again included input from advocates, law enforcement officials and various stakeholders. This legislation seeks to clarify and address issues identified by stakeholders as well as providing more time to make the changes necessary to ensure the SAFE-T Act is effective for our communities.

"I remain committed to transforming the criminal justice system in Illinois in such a way that will uplift our communities while supporting our law enforcement.

"House Bill 3443 moves us another step forward in our efforts to reimagine public safety and I look forward to continuing my work on this issue."

CHICAGO— State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. advanced legislation out of the Senate, that would give community college boards of trustees and local housing authorities permission to develop affordable housing for community college students.

“There are many advantages to living on campus for students,” said Sims. “We all know that housing provides a place to lay your head, but the benefits go far beyond that, as studies show that students who live on campus complete more credit hours and have higher grade point averages. While also making campus resources like the library, labs and support services more easily available.”

CHICAGO-In an effort to provide instruction, training and support services to new and aspiring entrepreneurs, State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) is sponsoring House Bill 665, which would require the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to establish and support entrepreneurship assistance centers around the state.

“There are no simple rules or a checklist that can guarantee success as an entrepreneur,” Sims said. “Entrepreneurship is hard and often times presents many roadblocks in the early stages of planning. We want to make this process easier for those who have a passion to build their own brand while equipping them with the necessary skills to become successful.”

The legislation would also require grants be awarded to train minority group members including people of color, women, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Specialized training services at the centers would include orientation and screening of prospective entrepreneurs, analysis of business concepts and technical feasibility, market analysis, management analysis and counseling, business planning and financial planning assistance, referrals to financial resources and much more.

House Bill 665 passed the Senate Commerce Committee and moves to the full Senate for consideration.

CHICAGO— Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) moved legislation to give community college boards of trustees, and local housing authorities, permission to develop affordable housing for community college students.

“This is about bettering the college experience for every student in this state,” said Sims. “Research shows that students who live on campus have higher GPAs. When students live on campus they are more plugged-in to the campus community and have more opportunities to join clubs, attend events, meet new people.”

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

Proponents of the bill also suggest that restricted housing on community college campuses fails to meet the need of every student. Traditionally, community colleges catered to students living within reasonable driving distance of the school. And while that arrangement works for some students, now-a-days a lengthy and costly commute poses a challenging barrier to those living at a distance, including international students.

House Bill 374 passed out of the Senate Higher Education Committee and moves to the full Senate for consideration.