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Sims to put an end to unwanted automatic sales calls

Details
Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Thursday, May 08, 2025 02:13 PM
  • Sims
  • Automatic Sales Calls
  • HB 2435
  • Automatic dialing

Sims58

SPRINGFIELD – We’ve all been there: at work, hanging out with the family or trying to relax when you get a call from an unknown number trying to sell you a product. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is working to put an end to these automatic sales calls – in turn providing consumers with greater peace and protection.

“Our cellphones are meant to connect us with friends and family to conduct business but they’re slowly being turned into relentless advertising channels we didn’t sign up for,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “We’re going to put control back in the hands of consumers by protecting them from unwanted and intrusive automatic sales calls.”

Under House Bill 2435, companies could not use automatic dialing to sell Illinoisans goods and services unless the person expressly consented to be contacted in that manner. People across the country receive about 50 billion robocalls a year, with a less than 2% success rate – signaling a desire from residents to no longer receive the calls.

Read more: Sims to put an end to unwanted automatic sales calls

Sims celebrates record-breaking film production expenditures

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Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 04:08 PM
  • Film Production Tax Credit
  • Film and TV Workforce Training Program

sims 041525CHICAGO – Illinois’ national standing in the film and television industry continues to rise – most recently after seeing $650 million in film production expenditures for the second year in a row.

“Illinois continues to lead the nation in attracting film and television companies from around the world thanks to the Film Production Tax Credit,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “The film industry brings millions of dollars to Illinois’ economy – and, in turn, enhances opportunities for good-paying jobs in the communities that need them most.”

Read more: Sims celebrates record-breaking film production expenditures

Sims leads pathway to FOID card eligibility for diversion program graduates

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Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Wednesday, April 09, 2025 05:43 PM
  • Sims
  • SB 1899
  • FOID card eligibility
  • diversion program graduates

Sims SB1899photoSPRINGFIELD – Recognizing mistakes can turn into learning opportunities, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. worked across the aisle to pass a measure to allow low-level, first-time weapon offenders to apply for a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card upon completing a diversion program.

“We are taking a balanced approach to recognize people can learn from their past mistakes and deserve a second chance,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Diversion programs acknowledge rehabilitation while ensuring existing safeguards remain firmly in place.”

Under Sims’ measure, participants who complete the First Time Weapons Offense Diversion Program could apply for a FOID card after receiving a court order demonstrating successful program completion –so long as they meet all other existing eligibility requirements. The program would only be for individuals charged with a Class 4 felony – the lowest class felony charge for weapons.

Read more: Sims leads pathway to FOID card eligibility for diversion program graduates

Sims praises work done to affirm AAA rating to Illinois Funds

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Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 09:05 AM
  • Sims
  • AAA rating
  • Illinois Funds

Sims IllinoisFundCHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is praising the work done by the Illinois General Assembly to affirm the Illinois Funds – a mutual investment used by local governments – top AAA rating.

“When I look at the budgets we have passed in recent years, I see the work and years of fiscal responsibility paying off. We were able to pay down our bills, put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, and prioritize our local governments,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Illinois is a stand-out state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first – and we do so in a responsible, equitable way.”

The Illinois Funds lets government agencies use the Illinois State Treasurer’s resources to safely invest their funds while enjoying the economies of scale available from a $19+ billion pooled fund investment portfolio. The AAA rating by Fitch is the firm’s highest rating which is based on the pool’s credit quality, maturity, diversification, and management.

Read more: Sims praises work done to affirm AAA rating to Illinois Funds

Sims elected national chair of Council of State Governments

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Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Monday, December 09, 2024 02:43 PM
  • Sims
  • Council of State Governments

sims chair CSG 120924CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. was recently elected to serve as the chair of the Council of State Governments.

“It is a tremendous honor to have been elected by my colleagues from all 50 states to serve in this important position,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Many of the skills and much of the knowledge about policy I developed in partnership with people I met through the Council of State Governments and I am proud to help shape future generations of leaders through this amazing organization of state government leaders.”

The Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state elected and appointed officials. The mission of the group is to champion excellence in state government.

Read more: Sims elected national chair of Council of State Governments

Illinois Equal Justice Foundation honors Sims with “Good Government Award”

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Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Friday, September 13, 2024 03:24 PM
  • Sims
  • Good Government Award
  • Illinois Equal Justice Foundation

Sen. Sims

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. received the Good Government Award from the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation Thursday for his advocacy to fund legal aid programs – helping more than 2.3 million Illinois residents seek justice.

“Our government’s primary responsibility is to protect the rights of all people and I am proud to advocate for greater state funding for civil legal aid and the IEJF to live up to this basic responsibility,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Through its grant making, IEJF champions the legal needs of our most underserved communities to ensure everyone is protected by our civil justice system.”

Sims received the award Thursday at the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration – which highlighted more than two decades of powering Illinois’ legal aid system.

Read more: Illinois Equal Justice Foundation honors Sims with “Good Government Award”

Stolen license plate, registration sticker replacements now free thanks to Sims

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Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Saturday, August 17, 2024 08:00 AM
  • Sims
  • License Plates
  • SB 3471

sims lic plate 081924SPRINGFIELD – If a person’s license plate or sticker is stolen from their car, they won’t be on the hook for paying the replacement fee under a new law led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“Imagine the stress of seeing someone violated your personal belongings,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Now imagine the exacerbated stress of wondering how you are going to pay to fix the problem so you don’t get fined. We should never penalize victims – no matter how big or small the price.”

Under Sims’ law, if a person’s license plate or registration sticker is stolen, they will be able to receive a new one at no cost. Previously, drivers would have to pay either $6 for a new plate, or $20 for a new registration tag if stolen.

Read more: Stolen license plate, registration sticker replacements now free thanks to Sims

Sims: We are seeing tangible proof that responsible governance and steadfast stewardship yield positive results

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Category: Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. News
Wednesday, July 03, 2024 01:22 PM
  • Sims
  • Fiscal Responsibility
  • General Funds
  • Slideshow

Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

Senator Sims reacts to record high cash balance, exceeding FY24 revenue estimates

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. was proud to lead a fiscally responsible spending plan that led the state to end Fiscal Year 2024 approximately $125 million, or .2%, above projected FY24 General Funds revenue estimates.

"Illinois reached new fiscal milestones and we are seeing tangible proof that responsible governance and steadfast stewardship yield positive results,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Today's announcement underscores our commitment to restoring fiscal stability and rebuilding trust through transparency and prudent financial management."

The state closed out the fiscal year with a $4.67 billion General Funds cash balance, up from $3.85 billion at the end of the previous fiscal year. Of the $4.67 billion balance, $2.1 billion was in the Budget Stabilization Fund – also known as the Rainy Day Fund – and $1.74 billion was in the General Revenue Fund.

Read more: Sims: We are seeing tangible proof that responsible governance and steadfast stewardship yield...

More Articles …

  1. Sims increases access to home-delivered meals for Medicare and Medicaid recipients
  2. Sims: FY 25 budget invests in our communities
  3. Sims statement on the passage of Illinois’ sixth balanced budget
  4. Sims to enhance and streamline pretrial services
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