CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. celebrated the start of the school year by highlighting prioritized investments into education – from securing greater teacher opportunities to enhancing infrastructure.

"Today is a culmination of our commitment to investing in both our students' education and their health,” said Sims (D-Chicago) “Illinois' record investments in our schools are paying dividends across our communities.”

Sims was joined by State Superintendent of Public Education Dr. Tony Sanders and Governor JB Pritzker at Wagoner Elementary School in Community Consolidated Schools District 168 in Sauk Village Friday to tout Illinois’ leadership in education.

With Sims’ influence as the Senate Majority Appropriations Leader, the state has allocated $8.9 billion in the evidence-based funding model, $120 million over three years to the tackle teacher vacancies, $748 million this fiscal year toward eliminating gaps in access to preschool, and $13 million in grants for new electric school buses – 16 of which are going to CCSD in Sims’ district.

Older diesel-powered buses will be retired, allowing for necessary charging infrastructure for the new electric buses, and in turn helping improve air quality for students and the surrounding communities.    

“When we invest in clean technology and quality education together, we're building stronger, healthier communities for our families,” said Sims.

Thanks to these continued investments spearheaded by Senate Democrats, Illinois’ education system continues to receive recognition among the best in the nation. U.S. World and News Report ranks Illinois fourth in the nation for Pre-K-12 education, fifth for college readiness, seventh for NAEP reading scores and ninth for preschool enrollment. CNBC gives Illinois an “A” and ranks us third in the nation for education.