Springfield—Eligible voters throughout the state will now be automatically registered to vote under legislation advanced today with the full support of the Senate Black Caucus Chairman Emil Jones III (D-Chicago.

Senate Bill 250, sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), would allow for the Secretary of State’s office and similar state agencies to submit eligible voters’ information to the State Board of Elections when they visit their facilities for services.

Currently 42.2 percent of eligible, voting-age black citizens in Illinois aren’t registered to vote. Overall, more than 2 million Illinoisans who are eligible to vote aren’t registered. The measure now moves to the Illinois House of Representatives, where it will be debated.

“With the passing of this legislation, many eligible voters will now have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. This is a major step forward,” Jones said.

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State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) views Governor Rauner's cuts as a direct attack on the working poor. This Sunday, elected officials from the 14th Senate District will hold a rally to fight for programs and services our community values. Several organizations that serve communities who will suffer the most will discuss how the lack of support increases crime, lowers our students' opportunities to be qualified for good jobs and will leave people without heat during Chicago's coldest months.

Below are details about the rally:

Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Location: Kroc Center Chicago located at 1250 W 119th Street

Date: Sunday, July 12

Who: Senator Emil Jones III, Representative's Monique Davis and Robert Rita, Alderman Carrie Austin, Anthony Beale, Derrick Curtis,

Howard Brookins Jr. Commissioner Deborah Sims, The Baptist Ministers Conference, Kids off the Block, SEIU Healthcare, CAPS Inc.

What: A rally to fight Governor Rauner's attack on working families

Click the image above to see the video

Springfield – A recent study conducted by the University of Chicago Crime Lab revealed that an initiative pushed by members of the Senate Black Caucus resulted in lower violent crime arrest during summer months. The initiative is called the Youth Employment Program, and it provided jobs for thousands of at-risk youth during the summer months.

Participants held a variety of jobs, ranging from camp counselors to administrative aides. A majority of the participants were from neighborhoods where unemployment rates are over 19 percent.

"Providing our youth with alternatives to being in the streets is necessary to ensure the next generation has the chance to thrive," said Senator Emil Jones III, Chairman of the Senate Black Caucus. "Moving into the next General Assembly, I hope Governor Rauner will take note and make funding for the program a priority.

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