Statement on recent Chicago Police shooting of black male

This morning, with the release of the newest  video of an young black male suspect being gunned down at the hands of a Chicago police officer, I cannot help but wonder when will it stop.

Time and time again, we see law enforcement overstep their boundaries and take the role of the judge, jury and executioner when other steps can be taken to deescalate a non  life threatening situations.

Earlier this year, I introduced Senate Bill 2207, ensuring every Chicago Police officer would be required to wear body cameras.  Instances like this only prove that we need to have an accurate account of police encounters, so law enforcement can be protected from false claims and citizens can be protected from rogue officers.

I plan to make a strong push to advance this legislation during veto session, with the additions of a key measure. This measure would be aimed at holding police officers who turn their video device(s) off during suspect pursuit more accountable by seeking disciplinary action.

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Senate Black Caucus Chairman Emil Jones III comes out in support of Automatic Voter Registration

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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Jones legislation eases the pain of college debt

State Senator Emil Jones III, (D-Chicago) recently introduced legislation that helps college students who are facing financial hardships. The measure, Senate Bill 2941, prohibits universities and community colleges from denying a student from registering for classes and prohibits them from refusing to issue a transcript to a student because of and outstanding debt owed to the university.

Senator Jones offered the following comments:

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Jones legislation aims to keep the doors at Chicago State open

Springfield – Chicago State University recently announced that it will be unable to pay for operational costs after March 1 due to the unprecedented seven month-long budget impasse. Without a budget, university students across the state who are recipients of MAP grants and tuition assistance are increasingly concerned about the prospect of not graduating.

State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) introduced legislation that provides funding to ensure CSU can keep its doors open for the remainder of the semester.

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