Side Hustle Success Workshop

Chicago Business Affairs Consumer Protection is hosting the Side Hustle Success Workshop on Wednesday, September 6 from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. 11th Floor, Room 1103, Chicago. You will hear from entrepreneurs who have turned their passion into a profit. This workshop is targeted at entrepreneurs looking to establish a business within the creative or arts sector. Our panelists will share their strategies on how they moved from side hustle to success.

Space is limited. Please reserve your attendance by calling 312.744.2086 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

More information here.

Sixth Annual Construction Conference & Expo

Learn more and register at: https://spcdmconstructioncareer.eventbrite.com

New Sims law brings Illinois IDs up to travel standards

SPRINGFIELD—A plan to update driver’s license services in Illinois to follow federal ID rules was signed into law Friday.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., a Chicago Democrat, sponsored the plan, which puts in place the REAL ID standards established by the federal government. Adopting the plan would prevent major travel difficulties for Illinoisans, as air travel security standards are set to mandate REAL ID standards for IDs.

“Updating Illinois IDs to REAL ID standards will prevent confusion and, more importantly, help to protect the people of Illinois as they travel,” Sims said. “The new law will help people avoid headaches as they go through airport or any other federal security.”

Illinois is compliant with the REAL ID Act. Current non-Real ID compliant driver’s license and identification cards will be accepted at airports until October 1, 2020. 

After this date, people with Illinois driver’s licenses and identification cards will need to provide additional documentation in order for their cards to become REAL ID compliant.

House Bill 2315 takes effect on Jan. 1.

Sims effort to boost Illinois’ standing in film and TV industry becomes law

SPRINGFIELD—A proposal to make Illinois more attractive to film companies was signed into law today.

The plan, sponsored by State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), extends the length of the state’s film production tax credit with the aim of raising Illinois’ national standing in the film and television industry.

“This move will help put Illinois a step above our competition,” Sims said. “We have seen exponential growth over the years, and this tax credit would boost that by making the state more attractive to film and television companies around the world.”

The new law extends the end of the Film Production Tax Credit from Jan. 1, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2027.

“I am confident this plan will help this growing industry continue to thrive, while ensuring people working in the industry have access to stable, well paying, middle class jobs,” Sims said. “Extending the film tax credit will help us increase momentum in this industry across the state of Illinois.”

Senate Bill 1595 is effective immediately.