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."

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.”