SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the governor signed the budget on Wednesday:

“My colleagues and I went back to Springfield with the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic heavy on our shoulders. We strived to pass a budget that would maintain our core services while also directing resources to help communities and businesses who have been devastated as a result of the virus.

“This budget does exactly that by preserving P-12 education with a $12.6 billion investment.

“We are using funds from the CARES Act stimulus package to provide more resources to communities who are struggling during the pandemic. That includes $100 million in housing assistance and $636 million in business interruption grants.

“And to protect our communities during this health crisis, $1 billion dollars will go to our local and state health departments.

“The budget was extremely difficult to craft in these unprecedented times, but I believe it will provide desperately needed relief to communities as we continue on a path toward recovery.”

Senate Bill 264 takes effect July 1.

CHICAGO—A South Side community came together for a parade to celebrate 17-year-old Sierra Rogers’ recovery after fighting COVID-19 for nearly eight weeks.

Sierra J. Rogers received treatment for the coronavirus at Rush University Medical Center from March 27 until May 20. Sierra then spent time at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to help rebuild her strength after fighting the virus.

Ivy, who also overcame COVID-19, says it was an uphill battle, but Sierra is overjoyed to finally be home.

“Sierra is truly a fighter. She somehow maintained her bright and bubbly personality through it all,” Ivy said. “She built relationships with the staff at Rush, who went to great lengths to care and comfort her. Sierra is thrilled to finally be home and so grateful for everyone who has supported her in this journey to recovery.”

CHICAGO— State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago), other black leaders and the governor took to the South Suburbs Saturday to call for action regarding police brutality and systemic racism.

“The fight is not over until black communities are finally prioritized and fear isn't felt in the presence of law enforcement,” Sims said. “Leaders on all levels have to come together to fix our broken system, so that it reflects that black lives do in fact matter. Our communities are entitled to fair resources and justice.”

The event at 1550 Sibley Blvd in Calumet City was the third in a series of four events organized by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus in response to racial acts of violence against individuals like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Face masks, food, water and Census resources were provided.

Sims vowed to continue fighting until people of all backgrounds are treated the same.

“I remain committed to work with the people of the 17^th District, local leaders and people within the system itself to truly reform our criminal justice system. We will achieve progress together,” Sims said.

The next and final day of action in the series will be in the West Suburbs on Sunday, June 7. The event is from noon to 1 p.m. at 300 Oak St. 

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) offered his full support of a plan expanding vote by mail for the upcoming general election due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This proposal allows the state to act reasonably to protect its citizens,” Sims said. “We are facing an unprecedented pandemic. This measured approach will ensure that voters can safely cast their ballots from the safety of their homes.”

Individuals who have voted in the past two years — either in the 2018 General Election, 2019 Consolidated Election or 2020 Primary Election — will be mailed an application for a vote-by-mail ballot.

Those who registered to vote after the 2020 Primary Election will also receive an application.

Under the plan, individuals who aren’t automatically sent an application will still be able to apply for a ballot via the State Board of Elections’ website. Applications will open the day the law takes effect.

This legislation does not prevent in-person voting opportunities on and before Election Day.

“Many have fought, bled and died for our right to vote, and we need to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to exercise that right,” Sims said. “I am confident this plan will help voters throughout Illinois do so without risking their health.”

Senate Bill 1863 now heads to the governor’s desk for approval.

CHICAGO – To help students who are seeking post-secondary education, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) is encouraging high school graduates to apply for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF) Scholarship.

“We aim to give students the boost they need to further their education,” Sims said. “I hope students will take full advantage of this opportunity and ease some of the financial pressure of going to college.” 

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship has been a catalyst for many low-income students who would not be able to afford certain expenses upon arriving at the higher learning facility. 

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Thursday, June 4. Students who are applying for the scholarship must be an Illinois resident, and if awarded, they will receive $1,000.

“We want to sow a seed in the futures of our young people,” Sims said. “There is so much potential yet to be unlocked. This resource is a great start to help students achieve their dreams.”

Students who want to apply for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship can complete the application here. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Rep. Greg Harris and Sen. Elgie Sims – co-chairs of the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform – released the following statement Tuesday regarding ongoing efforts to enact meaningful ethics reform in Illinois:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated that we all put the health and safety of our state and our communities first. The Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform remains committed to our task of developing recommendations for meaningful reforms to the way lobbyists and elected officials conduct themselves. We have completed our meetings, heard from stakeholders and are working through the proposals that have been put before us.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) today congratulated students at a Sauk Village elementary school on winning a national kindness award.

Wagoner Elementary School in Community Consolidated School District 168 in Sauk Village, Illinois was one of over 650 schools from across the country that registered for the Fall 2019 cohort of the Teach Kindness Challenge.

“Now the nation knows what I already knew about Wagoner Elementary students and teachers. They are a stellar bunch who consistently go above and beyond to achieve results,” Sims said. “I am so incredibly proud of their efforts to spread kindness, which the world could always use more of.”

The “Teach Kindness” initiative is a national social-emotional learning program organized by Stand for Children that provides high-quality classroom lessons from national experts.

Wagoner has been selected as the 2019 National Winner of the Teach Kindness Challenge, a national recognition that carries a $5,000 credit at DonorsChoose.org.

SPRINGFIELD – Students from the Illinois Math and Science Academy traveled to Springfield Tuesday as a part of the academy’s first annual State Capitol Day trip.

Students shadowed their respective Senators throughout the day.

“I shared a wonderful day with my constituent Esha Dani who attends the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. The Senate was honored to host such a brilliant group of students and we can’t wait to see what their futures hold,” Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) said.

“This is a remarkable opportunity for these students to see firsthand how their government functions,” State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “It also gives my colleagues and me the chance to connect with some of the best and brightest students our state has to offer. The future is undeniably promising for each and every one of them, and I look forward to following their progress.”