Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – If a person’s license plate or sticker is stolen from their car, they wouldn’t be on the hook for paying the replacement fee under a measure led through the Senate 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’ measure, if a person’s license plate or registration sticker is stolen, they would be able to receive a new one at no cost. Currently, drivers would have to pay either $6 for a new plate, or $20 for a new registration tag if stolen.

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., the pawnbroker industry will now have enhanced oversight to ensure it is being fair, transparent and equitable.

“Working with consumer advocates and other interested stakeholders, we passed a comprehensive plan to ensure transparency and ethical practices within the pawnbroker industry,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “The Predatory Loan Prevention Act stopped many forms of predatory lending in Illinois, and we are working to continue down that path.”

Sims’ law creates the Pawnbrokers Regulation Act of 2023, regulating how a pawnbroker can operate and conduct its operations to ensure they are being fair, transparent, and equitable. It gives the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation authority to oversee and regulate the industry. Further, it establishes a complaint and penalty system, which could result in the termination or suspension of a pawnbroker’s license.

SPRINGFIELD – Parents would have better understanding of the signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in their children under a measure led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“Providing education on Type 1 diabetes isn’t just a tool – it is a lifeline that can give children guidance toward better self-care and resilience,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Schools have an opportunity to make a difference both in students’ education and their health.”

Students and their families would be more educated on symptoms, intervention and treatment of Type 1 diabetes under a proposal led by Sims. Senate Bill 3473 would require the Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Public Health to put together informational resources on the disease and display it on ISBE’s website. Public and charter schools would also hand out the information to parents or guardians when enrolling their child.

SPRINGFIELD – Understanding the struggles first-time parents face, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a measure to provide them with more support and resources.

“Being a first-time parent brings a unique set of challenges and stressors,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Mentorship helps people understand what they are capable of by opening up parts of them they may have never known existed.”

Sims’ measure would assist first-time parents in finding employment, donation centers and information to help them navigate parenthood through the First Time Parent Mentorship Program. Local nonprofits would host the program in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services and provide at least 10 hours of trauma-informed tutoring and mentoring to first-time parents. 

According to the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, nearly half of new parents don’t feel they have the support they need. The mentorship program would bridge this gap, giving first-time parents more resources and a place to turn to for help.

“When my wife and I had our first daughter, we consistently found ourselves asking questions and wondering if we were doing the right things to set her on the path to success,” said Sims. “While we had a strong support system of friends and family to help us navigate this difficult yet exciting time, not everyone is that lucky.”

Senate Bill 2536 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading efforts to ensure youth who commit non-violent crimes are given a second chance.

“Providing youth with the opportunity to develop positive behaviors should be the foundation of our efforts to prevent further crime and violence,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Too often, young people veer off the path toward healthy adult lives because they aren’t provided the resources they need to stay on track.”

Under Sims’ measure, people under the age of 18 who committed a non-violent crime would be provided a number of resources, including employment opportunities, educational resources, parental mentorship training and more.

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. received the Illinois Outstanding Legislator of the Year award from the Illinois Parks Association.

“Parks are at the heart of our communities, where families and neighbors gather to grow, prosper, and make priceless memories,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Bringing forth the concerns of our constituents and crafting policies that will make a meaningful impact to everyday problems faced by residents is our top priority as a legislative body."

The Illinois Association of Park Districts recognizes legislators for their exceptional support of legislation promoting park districts, forest preserves, recreation and conservation agencies across Illinois. Sims has been a longtime advocate for Illinois parks and is proud to continue to support park districts across Illinois through initiatives like the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program.

SPRINGFIELD – For the ninth time in just over two years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. Fitch Ratings – one of the nation’s major credit rating agencies – announced upgrades Tuesday thanks to the fiscally-responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) – who serves as the Senate’s Appropriations Leader and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee – released the following statement in response:

“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 and put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families. 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 nine upgrades Illinois has seen in recent years shows our fiscally responsible budgeting approach is working and is independent proof that our state is headed in the right direction. Our future looks bright and I look forward to continued collaborative efforts with my colleagues to keep Illinois on this upward economic trajectory.”

SPRINGFIELD – After months of negotiations, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. passed a measure to enhance oversight over the pawnbroker industry. 

“Working with consumer advocates and other interested stakeholders, we passed a comprehensive plan to ensure transparency and ethical practices within the pawnbroker industry,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “The Predatory Loan Prevention Act stopped many forms of predatory lending in Illinois, and we are working to continue down that path.” 

Sims’ measure creates the Pawnbrokers Regulation Act of 2023, regulating how a pawnbroker can operate and conduct its operations to ensure they are being fair, transparent, and equitable. It gives the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation authority to oversee and regulate the industry. Further, it establishes a complaint and penalty system, which could result in the termination or suspension of a pawnbroker’s license.