“It’s an honor to be named chairperson. I am truly humbled and eager to work with my fellow African Americans to advance causes in the best interest of all state citizens, not just minorities.” – Sen. Emil Jones III

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III (D–Chicago) was elected chairperson of the Illinois Senate’s Black Caucus yesterday.

“It is an honor to be named chairperson,” Jones said. “I am truly humbled and eager to work with my fellow African Americans to advance causes in the best interest of all state citizens, not just minorities.”

Sen. Emil Jones III is the son of one of the most recognized African American lawmakers in Illinois Senate history, former Senate President Emil Jones Jr.

“I am sincerely grateful for the privilege to serve as chairperson,” Jones said. “I look forward to sharing and cooperating with my fellow black legislators and the great things we are going to accomplish together this year.”

Jones has been a member of the Black Caucus since joining the Illinois Senate in 2009 and has previously served as Black Caucus Secretary. This is his first time being elected chairperson.

“We need this legislation to let poverty-stricken adults, whether they have children or not, receive Medicaid benefits. Opening up access to the Affordable Care Act and closing these coverage gaps is the right thing, and it’s time to do the right thing.” – Sen. Emil Jones III

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III (D–Chicago) proudly supported a measure today that could expand health care to an additional 342,000 Illinoisans.

The Senate approved legislation allowing the state to take advantage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to provide Medicaid to low-income adult state citizens.

Sen. Jones, a co-sponsor of the measure said its passage will provide Medicaid benefits to citizens previously denied them.

“We need this legislation to let poverty-stricken adults, whether they have children or not, receive Medicaid benefits,” said Sen. Jones. “Opening up access to the Affordable Care Act and closing these coverage gaps is the right thing, and it’s time to do the right thing.”

The expansion would begin in 2014 and is targeted to cover the lapse of low-income adults ages 19 to 64 currently unable to receive Medicaid.

“Health care and insurance are both key issues I am passionate about” Jones stated. “Making sure we don’t have any lapses in health care coverage and its funding is critical, and is something we must accomplish.”

SB 26 now moves to the Illinois House for further consideration.

"Illinois is taking the right step with marriage equality and I could not be more thrilled"

SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, State Senator Emil Jones III (D–Chicago) aided in passing Senate Bill 10 out of the Senate.  

As chief co-sponsor of the legislation, Jones was more than pleased with Thursday’s vote. “Illinois is taking the right step with marriage equality, and I could not be more thrilled,” said Jones. 

SB 10 is the result of years of efforts toward securing marriage equality in Illinois and expands upon the already established state laws regarding civil unions by permitting full marriage rights to all couples.

“What fantastic irony and how appropriate that we as a state have taken this great stride toward equality for all citizens on Valentine’s Day,” Jones furthermore declared. “I feel that the great advancement we’re making here reflects the spirit of this holiday that love is unconditional, and we’re doing St. Valentine proud with passing this legislation.”

SB 10 now moves to the House for consideration.