SPRINGFIELD – The state’s Rainy Day Fund has reached historic levels of over $2 billion thanks to the responsible fiscal leadership of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus.

“When I first joined the Senate in 2018, our state’s Rainy Day Fund was depleted, we had billions of dollars in unpaid bills and we were facing immense financial strains,” said Majority Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “Thanks to five consecutive balanced budgets, paying down our bills and making a number of smart spending decisions, Illinois now stands with the best fiscal footing it has seen in years. We’re better equipped than ever to handle a fiscal emergency. We will continue to be good stewards of the resources taxpayers trust to us, while setting Illinois up for long-term fiscal success.”

This week, the final deposit of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget was made to the Rainy Day Fund – bringing the FY 23 deposits to $1.18 billion – just as the Fiscal Year 2024 budget is set to begin, which will deposit an additional $138 million.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is fighting to end youth solitary confinement – leading to better outcomes for children who are detained.

“Sadly, across the nation, young people are unjustly held in solitary confinement, spending 22 hours alone or more each day,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “That is inhumane and can cause grave psychological, physical and developmental harm.”

Sims’ measure would prohibit the use of solitary confinement on young detainees in detention centers for any purpose other than preventing immediate physical harm.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. joined the Alliance for Safety and Justice Team to push for commonsense solutions to public safety at a rally Thursday.

“I see so many times across my community the pain – the extraordinary pain – that individuals feel because they are suffering from loss,” Sims told nearly 250 advocates at the Capitol. “Enough is enough. We are far too tired of being sick and tired.”

The Chicago Democrat and hundreds of local crime victims joined forces to speak for the need to make communities safer. Aside from the rally in the rotunda, many advocates met with a number of Senators and Representatives to outline their ideas for public safety solutions that stop the cycle of crime.

SPRINGFIELD – If a store closes due to bankruptcy or other shortcomings, customers who have credit cards with the company would not be negatively impacted under legislation being led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“A person’s credit score follows them everywhere,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “One credit card mishap can take years to recover from. Consumers must be protected.”

Under Senate Bill 2121, if a customer’s credit account is closed due to the business closing or inactivity on the account, the business must notify credit reporting agencies of the reasoning so it is not assumed the customer failed to pay the balance of the account.

SPRINGFIELD – For the seventh time in less than two years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. S&P Global Ratings – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. – the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader – released the following statement:

“Today’s news is yet another sign the years of fiscal responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families and provide funding for the people who need the most help – all while paying down our bill backlog. Illinois is a standout state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first, and we do so in a responsible and equitable way.

CHICAGO – Thanks to money secured by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, $40 million is coming to the area to attract new businesses and spur more economic growth in Chicago’s South Side, as well as secure new jobs for the surrounding communities.

“We talk about the rising tide lifting all boats, and the work we are doing to put Illinois on the right financial path is allowing local communities to thrive economically because of those efforts,” said State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago).

The $40 million available grant will supercharge the development of megasites -- large, developed sites ready for occupancy for manufacturers, distribution centers, industrial centers, and more. Grants are available ranging from $250,000 to $5 million, and underserved areas will be prioritized.

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. — the Senate’s chief budget negotiator — led efforts that allowed Illinois to repay the remaining $1.36 billion unemployment insurance Trust Fund debt.

“This plan was the right thing to do for businesses, labor organizations and everyday Illinoisans,” said Sims (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I want people to know that if they need temporary help providing for their families, no matter the reason, Illinois has their back.”

The payment was made possible after a historic agreement was reached between the state, and representatives from business, labor, and bipartisan members of the General Assembly. Smart spending decisions and balanced budgets of recent years led by Sims put the state on track to be able to make the payment.

SPRINGFIELD – Millions of Illinoisans have now received over $1 billion in income and property tax rebates as part of the Illinois Senate Democrat-backed Illinois Family Relief Plan.

“We prioritized families struggling to make ends meet, the single mom worrying about how she’ll afford school supplies and child care, and the family who feels they can’t catch a break – and we put together a fiscally responsible, compassionate plan to signal to each of those families that their needs are what we are fighting for,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Illinois is paying its bills and we are fighting to help struggling families pay theirs as well.”