Sims: Fiscal responsibility is tackling what’s in front of us

SPRINGFIELD – Majority Appropriations Leader Elgie R. Sims, Jr. released the following statement after the governor outlined his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Through our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility, Illinois has engineered a remarkable financial turnaround that marks a defining moment in our state's economic history. Just 10 years ago, Illinois was in the midst of a two-year budget impasse as we faced an unsustainable cycle of unpaid bills and neared junk bond status. However, thanks to the last six years of balanced budgets, we have bounced back and are on the path toward long-term stability and prosperity.

“We’re facing an unprecedented year – in part due to unpredictability from the federal government. However, just like the uncertainty faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, our spending will be a direct result of the crisis we face. At the forefront of fiscal responsibility, we will meet and challenge what’s in front of us. We’ve done that before – and we’ll do it again.

“The governor’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is a good first step toward investing and preparing for our future, but our work is far from done. I look forward to joining my colleagues in the General Assembly in having a robust discussion about this year’s budget and passing a budget that is balanced, extremely bright, and addresses the very real needs of the people of this great state.”

Sims enhances child pornography laws

SPRINGFIELD –  An Illinois father was caught disseminating sexually-explicit selfies found on his son’s phone but couldn’t be charged with child pornography due to a loophole in Illinois law. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. passed a measure to tighten current law – ensuring those who commit such wrongdoings can face appropriate consequences.

“When adults intentionally obtain and distribute self-taken images of minors, that constitutes exploitation and demands criminal accountability,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “The measure recognizes that while we shouldn't criminalize minors for self-taken images, we must maintain strong protections against adult predators who would misuse such content.”

Sims’ measure closes a loophole as it relates to child pornography by clarifying “who” cannot be charged with a selfie rather than exempting all selfies from the definition of child pornography.

The measure comes after a heinous case where a father, in the course of looking through his high school son’s cell phone, discovered nude ‘selfies’ of his son’s underage classmate. The pictures were taken by and solely depicted the classmate and were intentionally sent to the son. Appallingly enough, the father sent the images to himself and disseminated them on the internet. Under current law, that father would not be able to be criminally charged with the material’s dissemination because selfies were categorically removed from the definition of child pornography.

Under Senate Bill 2655, the father could be charged because the law will clearly state “who” cannot be charged with a selfie rather than exempting all selfies from the definition of child pornography.

“We are taking a necessary step to close a critical gap in child protection laws by ensuring adults cannot escape culpability by exploiting a technicality around image origin,” said Sims.

Senate Bill 2655 passed the Senate Monday and heads to the governor for final approval.

Sims elected National Chair of Council of State Governments

CHICAGO — 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.

Sims was nominated by his peers at CSG’s Midwestern Legislative Conference to join the national leadership team in 2022. The nonpartisan group’s executive committee then chose him to serve as national chair-elect in 2024 and national chair in 2025.

Sims has been involved with the Council of State Governments since 2012, when he served in the Illinois House of Representatives. He previously served as the group’s Midwest chair and hosted its regional conference in Chicago in July 2019. As chair, Sims is responsible for hosting the national conference – which will be held in Chicago Dec. 9-13, 2025. Sims has chosen to focus on improving civility in our public discourse as his Chair’s Initiative for 2025.

“By joining forces with hundreds of other lawmakers from both sides of the aisle from all states, we will work to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls this great nation home,” said Sims. “I look forward to years of continued service with the Council of State Governments.”

Sims took the oath of office as chair over the weekend and will serve as chair until the end of 2025.

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

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.”

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