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Senator Annazette Collins News

Senator Collins Sponsors Measure to Recognize Black Greek Clubs

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Written by Senate Democratic Caucus Staff Wednesday, 09 May 2012 15:30

acollins-2011-75x75Senator Annazette Collins (D-Chicago) sponsored a resolution today that recognizes the members of the Illinois Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC), on the occasion of the organization's 3rd Annual Divine Nine African-American Greek Action Day at the Illinois State Capitol.

The NPHC was formed as a collaborative organization of nine historically African-American, international Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities sometimes collectively referred to as the "Divine Nine". The NPHC was formed as a permanent organization on May 10, 1930 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. and incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois in 1937.

“I am proud to sponsor this resolution, which in part recognizes the fine membership and sometimes underappreciated service of this wonderful organization,” said Sen. Collins. “The organizations making up the National Pan-Hellenic Council count numerous African American leaders among their ranks, and they all embody spirited service and leadership of the highest degree. “

Senator Collins, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., is a long-time supporter of the National Pan Hellenic Council, its member organizations and its initiatives. “These are the fraternities and sororities of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Justice Thurgood Marshall, Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Maya Angelou; current members take it as their charge to advance the legacy of those who have come before them,” said Collins.

 

Collins joins fight against CPS closures

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Written by Collins staff Wednesday, 15 February 2012 10:16

altSenator Annazette Collins is the latest member of General Assembly to speak out on proposed Chicago Public School closures. 

Crane High School, located in Sen. Collins' district, was slated for closure by CPS in November.   

“We know that our schools are in trouble,” said Sen. Collins. “But I’m fighting to save Crane. The community doesn’t want this. It’s a traditional high school, for one, in a historic building. We should keep Crane a neighborhood school. If we change the curriculum and put resources into the programs we already have, we can attract more kids to Crane and keep that great history alive.” 

Read more: Collins joins fight against CPS closures

   

State Senator wants youths to outgrow their juvenile rap sheets

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Written by Senate Democratic Caucus Staff Thursday, 09 February 2012 15:05

acollins-2011-75x75State Senator Annazette Collins submitted legislation this week that will reduce the severity of punishment for juvenile offenders in Illinois.

Three separate pieces of legislation will raise the age an alleged delinquent minor can be placed in a detention facility from 10 (currently) to 13, seal the arrest records of minors not convicted of serious crimes after the age of 18, and make a felony confession without a lawyer present inadmissible in court for minors under the age of 17.

“We have to recognize that young people deserve a second chance at life; free of being tied to the wrong side of the criminal justice system,” Senator Collins said. “Our young people often do foolish things, but we have to make it easier for them to learn from mistakes and move on.”

Senator Collins has dedicated her career to championing causes aimed at reforming the juvenile justice system in Illinois. When authoring her latest round of reform legislation the Senator from Chicago’s 5th legislative district worked with the Juvenile Justice Initiative, a statewide advocacy coalition to transform the juvenile justice system.

“Many young people get in trouble as kids and grow up thinking their juvenile history is behind them, only to find out as adults that this isn’t the case,” said Elizabeth Clarke, president of Juvenile Justice Initiative. “We want to halt the reporting of these usually minor incidents until the age of 18 so that these minors will have a better chance to be responsible adults.”

Who:   State Senator Annazette Collins (D-Chicago)
What:  Senate Bill 3194 (seals the arrest records of minors not convicted of serious crimes after the age of 18) 
Senate Bill 3195 (makes a felony confession without a lawyer present inadmissible in court for minors under the age of 17)
Senate Bill 3196 (increases the minimum age of detention placement from 10 to 13)

 

   

Legislation Seeks Greater Role for Minorities in Gaming Industry

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Written by A. Collins staff Tuesday, 07 February 2012 18:30


This initiative will give minority contractors in our state a better shot at doing business with such an important industry.
- Sen. Annazette Collins
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acollins-2011-75x75State Senator Annazette Collins submitted legislation last week that will increase minority participation in the state’s multibillion dollar gaming industry.

The proposal requires all casinos, racetracks, and video gaming establishments to create plans for hiring businesses owned by minorities, women and the people with disabilities.   Collins says she wants at least 20 percent of their contracts to go to minority-owned businesses.

Read more: Legislation Seeks Greater Role for Minorities in Gaming Industry

   

Collins Holds Town Hall on Chicago’s New Curfew Law

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Written by A. Collins Staff Thursday, 13 October 2011 08:10

acollins-2011-75x75CHICAGO – On Monday, October 17th,  Senator Annazette R. Collins (D-Chicago) will hold a town hall meeting at North Lawndale Prep High School to discuss Chicago’s new curfew law and the affect it could have on Chicago’s youth. Annetta Wilson from Sankofa Safe Child Organization will be present to share some of the affects this new city ordinance could have on Chicago’s youth.

Read more: Collins Holds Town Hall on Chicago’s New Curfew Law

   

Senate Releases Legislative Redistricting Proposal Website gives public access to review proposed legislative boundaries

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Written by A. Collins Staff Thursday, 19 May 2011 13:15

acollins-2011-75x75SPRINGFIELD, IL – Today, the Illinois Senate Redistricting Committee released a redistricting proposal for public review. State Senator Annazette R. Collins (D–Chicago) responded to today’s release by encouraging the public to view the proposal at www.ilSenateRedistricting.com or www.IllinoisSenateDemocrats.com.

Read more: Senate Releases Legislative Redistricting Proposal Website gives public access to review proposed legislative boundaries

   

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Senator Annazette Collins

5th District

Years served: Appointed 2011

Committee assignments: Education; Environment; Human Services; Licensed Activities; State Government & Veterans Affairs.

Biography: Administrator for the Chicago school board. She has a bachelor's degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University, and an M.S. in criminal justice and further graduate work in counseling from Chicago State University. She previously served in the Department of Children and Family Services, in the Cook County probation department, and as a prison correctional officer.