Quinn signs bill to research black community

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed a bill creating a commission aimed at researching disparities in the African-American community.

The commission will study social and economic issues including health services, employment and education.

A bipartisan group of legislators from both houses of the General Assembly will sit on the commission, along with the directors of state agencies including Human Services and Corrections.

The executive director of the Illinois African-American Family Commission will also sit on the board, along with up to 10 people representing African-American communities around the state.

Commission members must hold one or more public hearings and report findings with recommendations to the General Assembly by the end of 2013.