Reverend Senator James Meeks has been a committed activist in his community for many years.  In 1998, he led the rally to “dry up” the Roseland community by collecting votes to close 26 area liquor stores.  He also established Salem Christian Academy School (SCA) to provide quality education to hundreds of children from preschool through eighth grade.  Meeks started “It Takes a Village,” a mentoring program offering guidance and support for pregnant teenagers and teen mothers, which has served countless young women and children since its inception.

Serving in the Illinois Senate since 2003, Senator Meeks has devoted his legislative career to improving the lives of underserved groups in Illinois, particularly in his fight for education funding reform. He is the chief architect of House Bill 174, a measure that seeks to eliminate funding disparity between wealthy and poor communities. The legislation would alter the state’s current tax system shifting more school funding from property tax to income tax. This adjustment would allow the state to maintain a consistent revenue source for Illinois children and would provide more than $2.5 million a year in new education funding. The Senate passed the measure on May 30, 2009 with the support of 31 Senate Democrats. Meeks continues to urge his colleagues in the House to support this measure.

As the pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago, Meeks has watched the congregation grow to over 22,000 followers. This strong community support has pushed Meeks to address a number of important issues in the 15th Legislative District. In addition to school funding issues, Meeks has sponsored numerous bills to improve education in Illinois by reducing classroom sizes, establishing school wellness policies, and requiring financial literacy classes. 

Meeks has also spent a considerable amount of time fighting for social justice issues. He has successfully passed legislation that reduces racial profiling by establishing a camera grant fund to pay for cameras in police squad cars.  Moreover, he has also supported legislation to decrease recidivism rates and keep communities safer by encouraging employers to hire ex-offenders and bringing jobs and businesses to economically depressed areas. Ever concerned with the issues facing his district, Senator Meeks has fought to ensure that families have access to safe, affordable, and accessible homes. His efforts to pass House Bill 174 also included over $700 million in property tax relief for Illinois homeowners. Meeks’ bill would also double the Property Tax Credit from 5% to 10% and makes the credit fully refundable to help seniors and others without income tax liability.

Reverend Senator Meeks has lead many successful community initiatives in the past and continues to be a vocal advocate in his community today. His efforts include sponsoring educational scholarships for children, feeding the homeless, and supporting drug rehab programs.  He currently serves as the Executive Vice President of the National Rainbow-PUSH Coalition, where he is able to expand his commitment to social justice, economic and educational equality, and civil rights.

A native of Chicago, Reverend Senator Meeks graduated from Harper High School and continued his education at Bishop College in Dallas, Texas where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy.