CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced that a new area in Chicago is being recognized as a State-Designated Cultural District.

“For years I have worked to implement and promote economic development for our communities to improve,” said Sims (D-Springfield). “The designation will represent and preserve our Black history, develop opportunities and encourage empowerment, culture, and homage”

State-Designated Cultural Districts are communities, towns or specific geographic areas that have a distinct shared historical and cultural identity that binds the community together. The purpose of the program is to encourage economic development, support the preservation and development of history and culturally significant structures, traditions and languages, foster local cultural development and education, provide a focal point for celebrating communities’ unique cultural identities, and promote equitable growth and opportunity without generating displacement.

The new district in Chicago, Mahalia Jackson 79th Street Cultural District, is led the Greater Chatham Initiative. Now, they will be eligible to apply for $3 million in funding that will be tailored to fit the needs of individual Cultural Districts and support the goals of the program to foster economic development and help communities preserve their unique cultural identities.

Learn more about the Greater Chatham Initiative.

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced that Women’s Innovation Group in Lynwood received a total of $260,000 through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

"Illinois is known for its world-class workforce, and programs such as the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program are critical to advancing opportunities for people across the state to earn a living and support their families," said Sims (D-Chicago).  “Apprentice programs are extremely competitive – and investments that directly provide more access into these programs are a step in the right direction.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded over $18 million in grants to 36 recipients through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, including $260,000 to Women’s Innovation Group in Lynwood. The program creates a diverse pool of talented and qualified candidates in construction and building trades, as well as helps participants to secure employment and establish a career in the field.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship programs are comprehensive and help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provides a greater opportunity for obtaining employment in the trade of construction, and securing a lifelong career.

Visit DCEO’s website to learn more about the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program.

CHICAGO – Good Shepherd Manor in Momence has received funding to offer safe, reliable and accessible transportation options, thanks to strong support from State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“When we invest in our transportation services, we are investing in our communities and the people who live there,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Good Shepherd Manor will now be even better equipped to help its residents.”

Through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation, more than 500 paratransit vehicles valued at $57.1 million have been awarded to 113 transit providers. The vehicles will be delivered to public transportation providers as well as nonprofit organizations serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Good Shepherd Manor is set to receive two vehicles to help them serve the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Consolidated Vehicle Procurement Program. The program helps smaller transit agencies navigate the red tape of the public bidding process while ensuring their vehicles meet federal requirements and specifications.

A full list of awardees can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading efforts to ensure youth who commit non-violent crimes are given a second chance.

“Providing youth with the opportunity to develop positive behaviors should be the foundation of our efforts to prevent further crime and violence,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Too often, young people veer off the path toward healthy adult lives because they aren’t provided the resources they need to stay on track.”

Under Sims’ measure, people under the age of 18 who committed a non-violent crime would be provided a number of resources, including employment opportunities, educational resources, parental mentorship training and more.

Additionally, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority would develop a mentorship initiative to provide the young people with counseling by a trained trauma therapist, as well as assistance with applying for SNAP and other public aid.

“Ensuring youth have the ability to succeed and move forward supports the development of their assets and resilience, leading them to better, healthier lives,” said Sims. “The support provided under Senate Bill 2535 will not only save young lives, but also prevent the onset of adult criminal careers.”

Senate Bill 2535 passed the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety.