SPRINGFIELD—More money could soon be set aside to make sure disadvantaged communities have clean drinking water.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) is sponsoring 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.

“Clean water should be in every Illinois home, no matter the zip code,” Sims said. “This plan is key to ensuring that 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 saw in Flint will not happen here,” Sims said. “I thank my colleagues for their support in putting the health and well-being of all Illinoisans first.”

House Bill 2650 is now set to head to the governor’s desk for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD—A plan to update driver’s license services in Illinois to follow federal ID rules passed the Illinois General Assembly Tuesday.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., a Chicago Democrat, sponsors the plan, which puts in place the REAL ID standards established by the federal government. Adopting the plan would prevent major travel difficulties for Illinoisans as air travel security standards are set to mandate REAL ID standards for IDs.

“Bringing Illinois IDs in line with the REAL ID Act will most importantly boost security for Illinoisans while preventing numerous headaches for them,” Sims said. “This measure will ensure that the people of Illinois don’t run into issues going through airport security or other forms of federal security.”

Illinois is compliant with the REAL ID Act. Current non-Real ID compliant driver’s license and identification cards will be accepted at airports until October 1, 2020. 

After this date, persons with Illinois driver’s licenses and identification cards will need to provide additional documentation in order for their cards to become REAL ID compliant.

The legislation passed both chambers, and now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD — A plan to help workers who have been exposed to toxic substances was signed into law on Friday.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) sponsored the bill, which helps workers who have developed latent illnesses or injuries after coming in contact with asbestos, radiation or beryllium in the workplace.  

“For far too long, employees have suffered from bad workplace conditions with no source of relief,” Sims said. “Often they do not see symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure. We must end the statute of limitations and ensure their right to recovery.”

The Workers’ Compensation Act and Workers’ Occupational Disease Act currently have 25-year statutes of limitation. SB 1596 would create exceptions to these rules for cases of exposure to toxic substances.

“The past law was a death sentence for people diagnosed with serious illnesses who aren’t given the proper time to take care of their poor health,” Sims said. “I thank my colleagues in the General Assembly and the governor for their support in helping these working men and women.”

Senate Bill 1596 is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims (D-Chicago) supported a constitutional amendment that would allow Illinois to implement a fairer income tax.

Illinois has had the same flat tax structure for decades. The Illinois Constitution currently locks in a flat income tax rate. The proposed plan would lower taxes for 97 percent of Illinoisans and only raise rates for those making more than $250,000.

“Right now, the tax burden rests heavily on low-income, working families,” Sims said. “A cashier at a corner store on Cottage Grove and a futures trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange pay the same percentage on their incomes. We have to change that. It has long been time for millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share.”

Sims has been an advocate for a fair tax for years, acting as a chief co-sponsor of similar legislation while he served in the House. The current flat tax system contributes to the deficit by preventing the revenue growth needed to invest in crucial services, he said.

“A fair tax will provide a sense of stability in Illinois that has not been felt in years,” Sims said. “For far too long the state has careened from crisis to crisis. My district and the people of Illinois deserve a larger investment in education, infrastructure and social services.”

The plan is headed to the House for consideration. If approved there, the constitutional amendment would require voter approval in 2020.

Senate Bill 687, a proposed rate structure also passed the Senate Wednesday.

The Senate Rate Proposal is as follows: