At the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Roundtable in Washington, D.C., I spoke with U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), whose work on criminal justice reform I applaud. This session, I supported comprehensive policing reform, legislation that keeps more juvenile offenders out of adult lockups and a measure expanding employment opportunities for nonviolent ex-felons. It is important that state governments and Congress work together to modernize old approaches to crime that don't rehabilitate offenders or make us safer but do disproportionately incarcerate and marginalize persons of color.

Some facts Sen. Booker shared with us about crime and punishment in America:

• The United States has 5 percent of the world’s total population but 25 percent of the globe’s incarcerated population.
• In the past 30 years, the federal prison population has grown by nearly 800 percent.
• According to the Urban Institute, the largest factor in the growth of the federal prison population since the 1980s is the length of drug sentences.
• Although the majority of illegal drug users and dealers in the United States are white, three-fourths of people in prison for drug offenses are either black or Latino.The United States spends over a quarter of a trillion dollars each year on its criminal justice system.

Senator Collins has garnered nationwide attention for her support for a film called "Chiraq" and its production in a community she represents. Currently filming in Englewood, the movie is expected to address the violent crime plaguing many low-income, predominantly minority communities in Chicago (and around the country); it also promises to impact thousands of local residents and businesses through employment and contracting opportunities.

Collins recently introduced a resolution, which the Senate adopted, calling on the state of Illinois to grant "Chiraq" the same tax credit it awards to other productions that meet eligibility criteria by employing Illinois residents and investing in disadvantaged areas. In standing for the economic boon to her community and the artistic and social value of telling the truth about violence, she took on critics who felt the name Chiraq (originally a rap term comparing the murder rate in Chicago to the death toll in the Iraq War) was insulting to Chicagoans.

On June 4, she appeared on CNN to discuss Spike Lee's project and its value to the 16th District. Please click below to learn more about job opportunities on the set and why Collins believes "Chiraq" is good for Chicago and Illinois.

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Yesterday, I voted against budget reductions Governor Rauner proposed - cuts that would decimate core state functions including higher education, Medicaid, child care assistance for low-income working parents, breast and cervical cancer screenings and after-school programs for youth at risk of becoming perpetrators or victims of violence.

Instead, I was proud to support a budget Senate Democrats have introduced to fully fund many essential services and meet the state's obligations to retirees, residents with disabilities, students in need of financial assistance and wards of the state.

As I advocate for you, I view every proposed budget as a moral document that spells out the true priorities of those who support it. Today, I was honored to stand with a majority of the Senate in affirming our priorities: empowering working families, caring for the most vulnerable and breaking the cycle of poverty through education and opportunity.

At the same time, we rejected the governor's priorities: corporate privileges, lower wages and leaving behind the least of these.

In February, the governor introduced a budget that would have

• eliminated anti-violence programs such as CeaseFire and Teen Reach

• slashed funding for colleges and universities by one-third

• limited access to cancer screenings and treatment for low-income women

• terminated dental benefits for adult Medicaid clients

• ended child care subsidies for children as young as six and those cared for by relatives

• left 4,000 children with disabilities without the early intervention services they need to start school prepared

Gov. Rauner asked legislators to approve these catastrophic cuts and many, many more. But without even waiting for the legislature's approval, he suspended grants that had already been awarded to youth employment programs and cut funding from autism services and other programs Illinois residents rely on to live independently.

My colleagues and I took a stand, because these are not mere numbers on a piece of paper; they are human lives. This process is far from over, but I will continue fighting to prioritize people, not profits.

I will continue to update you on this developing situation in Springfield, and I invite you to call or email me with any concerns or ideas you may have.

NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2015

SPRINGFIELD – In the wake of revelations that at least one con artist used a risky financial product called a reverse mortgage to scam dozens of senior citizens, State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago 16th) secured Senate passage today of legislation that would help protect consumers from such fraudulent schemes.

“A reverse mortgage is a complicated financial product that can leave homeowners and their families vulnerable to scams and unable to pay when the loan comes due,” Collins said. “This legislation requires lenders to provide potential borrowers with accurate information about the product, a list of counselors they can contact if they need help and the opportunity to reconsider within three days of signing the paperwork.”

For almost 30 years, a lawsuit filed by the state alleges, Chicago remodeler Mark Diamond tricked senior citizens into taking out reverse mortgages – which pay out cash advances based on a homeowner’s equity – and then use the loan proceeds to pay his company to make home improvements. Instead, Diamond took the money while the repairs remained unfinished or poorly done. Many of his victims and their families faced losing cherished homes they’d owned for decades when the homeowner died or moved into long-term care and the loan (the cash paid out, plus interest) came due. Attorney General Lisa Madigan is asking a court to put Diamond, who kept his scheme going by conducting it under the auspices of different companies, out of business for good. Diamond’s practices are also under federal investigation.

Collins worked with Madigan, Housing Action Illinois and other advocates on Senate Bill 1281, which would ensure potential borrowers are informed about the risks of reverse mortgages and also prohibit someone who facilitates a reverse mortgage from accepting any of the proceeds in exchange for services, as Diamond did. Finally, the legislation would prevent conflicts of interest by banning lenders from receiving compensation in exchange for trying to sell borrowers on other financial products, such as life insurance policies and investments.

“The senior citizens I represent take great pride in their homes; many have worked hard their whole lives to pay off their mortgages,” Collins said. “Strong consumer protections can help them avoid unscrupulous schemes so they can live out their later years in peace and dignity and not worry about whether the family home will be there for their children and grandchildren.”

Next, the House will consider Collins’ legislation.

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