Chicago, IL – The west suburban developer ALM Resources is looking to acquire more than 320 acres of land in one of South Suburban Chicago’s most economically challenged villages, Robbins. The Village Robbins, which is in 14th Senate district represented by State Senator Emil Jones III, needs to acquire land that includes roughly 100 single-family homes that have housed families living in Robbins for generations.

ALM plans on redeveloping the land to create an industrial megaplex complete with a limestone quarry, an underground mine, asphalt and concrete factories and a therapy horse ranch, according to an agreement village officials quietly approved this year.

Currently, the project has been stalled because legislative action from state lawmakers is needed for the “quick-take” process to occur.

Senator Jones issued the following statement.

“I don’t intend to move forward with any legislation or support any measure brought before the General Assembly to forces the people of Robbins from their homes for this redevelopment project.” Jones said. “ALM stands to make billions from this project and only wants to give residents a fraction of their homes value.

The people of Robbins deserve a more transparent process that allows them to decide rather than a bureaucratic injunction. It’s important that we work together to ensure that the residents of Robbins aren’t displaced and the process isn’t undermined.”

“Losing a loved one is a stressful emotional situation, and reckless irresponsibility only makes the victims family and friends suffer more. – Sen. Emil Jones III

CHICAGO – Today, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) saw legislation he sponsored signed into law. The new law creates restrictions to prevent reckless driving during funeral processions.

“Funerals are a time for loved ones to celebrate the life of the deceased,” Jones said. “I don’t know how we got to this point in our culture when a law needs to be in place for us to respect the lives of those killed by reckless gang violence.”

Last September, the Chicago Tribune offered a telling exposé of this issue, detailing the irresponsible weaving in and out of traffic lanes, blaring music and gang signs/gestures thrown out of car windows accompanying memorials for deceased gang members.

“This measure protects grieving mothers and fathers while morning the loss of their loved one,” Jones said. “Losing a loved one is a stressful emotional situation, and reckless irresponsibility only makes the victims family and friends suffer more.”

Residents of the South Side communities of Mount Greenwood and Beverly have been particularly vocal in expressing their concern for public safety and frustration with these reckless memorials for late gang members.

The new law takes effect immediately.

Chicago – Each day nearly 3 million men and women in Illinois are denied decent employment and housing due to prior convictions. Today, legislation supported by Senator Emil Jones III was signed into law that allows the courts to seal criminal records for eight non-violent offences. Current law and practices prevent hardworking, law abiding individuals the chance to move forward from past mistakes.

“Too often when a court hands down a two-year or three-year sentence, society permanently stamps that ex-offender as criminal,” State Senator Emil Jones said. “A fair criminal justice system is based on the premise that when you commit a crime, you pay your debt to society, and once you’ve done your time, you can start over.”