Sims to remove sales tax from home-delivered meals provided to Medicare and Medicaid recipients

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is alleviating financial burdens on organizations that help vulnerable populations to ensure access to essential nutrition services by exempting home-delivered meals from sales tax for Medicare and Medicaid recipients

"For many Medicare and Medicaid recipients, home-delivered meals are a lifeline – providing essential nutrition and support," said Sims (D-Chicago). "However, the added burden of sales tax can create financial strain for those already facing economic challenges. Senate Bill 3476 aims to remove this barrier to access, ensuring that vulnerable individuals can receive the nourishment they need without additional financial burden."

Under Senate Bill 3476, home-delivered meals – like from Meals on Wheels – provided to Medicare and Medicaid recipients would be exempt from sales tax when payment is made by an intermediary, such as a Medicare Administrative Contractor, a Managed Care Organization, or a Medicare Advantage Organization, pursuant to government contract.

Home-delivered meals play a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of seniors and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to remain independent and healthy in their own homes. By exempting these meals from sales tax, Sims’ measure seeks to promote equitable access to nutrition services and alleviate financial barriers for those most in need.

"Access to nutritious meals is fundamental to overall health and quality of life," said Senator. "By exempting home-delivered meals from sales tax for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, we can ensure that all Illinois residents have access to the support and resources they need to thrive."

Senate Bill 3476 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the House for further consideration.

Stolen license plate, registration sticker replacements would be free under Sims measure

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.

According to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, 651 drivers reported their plates stolen over a three-year period.

“There’s no reason someone should have to open up their pocketbook because of someone else’s wrongdoing,” said Sims. “Public safety isn’t just about keeping our communities safe – it’s also about protecting and uplifting victims.”

Senate Bill 3471 passed the Senate Thursday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

Sims law ends predatory pawnbroker practices

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.

As part of the Black Caucus’ Four Pillar Agenda in 2021, Sims was instrumental in passing the Predatory Loan Prevention Act. The PLPA was aimed at reining in the high-interest, short-term loan industry. The bill passed today by the Illinois Senate creates a robust, consumer-focused regulatory process aimed at building on the work started with the passage of the PLPA.

Sims worked alongside IDFPR, various consumer advocates, and industry representatives to put forth House Bill 779 to ensure the pawnbroker industry is safe and well-regulated.

“We have taken a positive step to protect people who are struggling and need to use the services of a pawnbroker,” said Sims. “We must stop predatory practices in any lending industry by giving consumers the peace of mind that they will be dealt fairly and equitably.”

House Bill 779 was signed into law Friday.

Sims measure would provide mentoring for first-time parents

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.