Van Pelt’s plan for Carole Robertson Center passes

SPRINGFIELD – Last week, both the Senate and the House approved an effort led by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) to allow an early learning and youth development center to purchase the state-owned property it has occupied for decades from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

“I am happy both chambers have moved The Carole Robertson Center one step closer to reaching independence. The Center has been in need of renovations that the state is simply unable to perform,” Van Pelt said. “Selling off state property is not a move anybody involved makes lightly, but in this case, it is necessary. Under the Center’s ownership, it will become possible for thousands of disadvantaged children on Chicago’s West Side to benefit from renovations to the site.”

Read more: Van Pelt’s plan for Carole Robertson Center passes

Senator Sims, Illinois AFL-CIO debunk myths on criminal justice reform package

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago), who spearheaded the state’s comprehensive criminal justice reform package, is joining a well-known union group, the Illinois AFL-CIO, in disproving misinformation about House Bill 3653.

“Following dozens of hours of testimony during the fall months, I was proud to spearhead this measure to bridge the racial and socioeconomic divide in our criminal justice system, while keeping people safe,” Sims said. “There is a ton of misinformation about this legislation which says it will hinder the work of law enforcement officers — and that is simply not true. Most of the pieces of this measure are already in place at many law enforcement agencies.”

The bill does a number of things to help both law enforcement officers and at-risk communities. It amplifies law enforcement training standards and addresses officer wellness and mental health awareness.

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Hunter gives back on MLK Day

CHICAGO – In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) partnered with Social Change to donate food and PPE at the Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church.

“People are still struggling to protect themselves from this virus while awaiting the wide distribution of the vaccine,” Hunter said. “PPE is still needed, and people are still in need of other basic necessities like food. Everyone loves to quote Dr. King, but those who follow in his footsteps are not as common.”

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Collins wins tougher regulations on payday lenders, new Community Reinvestment Act

CHICAGO – Payday lenders will be prohibited from issuing loans with rates higher than 36% and Illinois government will require certain financial institutions to meet the needs of local communities under major reforms led by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus this past week.

Language from two major pieces of legislation by Collins, Senate Bills 1608 and 1792, were included in a comprehensive Black Caucus economic reform measure that passed the Illinois General Assembly Wednesday.

“How many of you want to get a credit card, maybe from Macy's or Neiman Marcus, at 80%, 99%?” Collins asked senators in her remarks prior to the bill’s passage in the Senate. “This is preying on certain communities. It's really a rebirth of redlining, housing covenants and all the other ills that have decimated my community. What we're trying to do is ensure they have an opportunity to build economic stability.”

Read more: Collins wins tougher regulations on payday lenders, new Community Reinvestment Act