CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after a draft Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked:

“A woman’s right to choose is just that – a fundamental right that should not be stripped due to antiquated politics or an attempt to disregard the progress we’ve made in the area of human rights. In reading the decision, it is clear that other fundamental rights in this country are in jeopardy so silence in this moment is not an option. Each of us, regardless of your feelings on reproductive rights, should be concerned. This type of activism by judges, to push a culture war driven agenda, should be concerning for us all.”

“Should this long settled law be overturned, women in Illinois can take solace in knowing that Illinois respects their right to choose and that this fundamental right still hold value. As always, I hope other states are looking to Illinois for leadership in this fight for protecting a woman’s right to choose.”

The state of Illinois received its second credit rating upgrade, from Moody’s Investors Service, just days after the Illinois fiscal year 23 budget was signed into law. Following the announcement, State Senator Elgie Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Creating a fiscally responsible budget that invests in the education of our children, supports our seniors, invests in community safety, protects working families and grows our economy is one of my top legislative priorities.

From the beginning of this year’s budget cycle I said that the actions we take must be fiscally responsible and have positive results for Illinois families. When budget negotiations began this session, as Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, my colleagues and I set a goal to build on the progress we made last year to keep putting Illinois back on track, because after several years of a manufactured budget impasse and a global pandemic, Illinois was on the brink of fiscal disaster. But by passing policies to grow and diversify our economy, making fiscally responsible decisions that helped us bounce back and passing balanced budget after balanced budget we received two credit upgrades for the first time in a generation. 

Moody’s announcement comes as welcome news just days after Governor Pritzker signed the fiscal year 2023 budget into law. This action by Moody’s gives Illinois three credit upgrades from two different rating agencies. We are seeing outside entities acknowledge that the hard work and disciplined approach we are taking to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars is working.

Unfortunately, there are some who want to diminish these accomplishments for political reasons, but the facts are undisputed, and independent sources agree, Illinois is on the right track.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Governor to continue our progress to ensure fiscal stability and growth for all Illinoisans. I am proud of how far we’ve come but our work continues.” 

SPRINGFIELD— State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement regarding the passage of the FY23 budget and tax relief plan Friday evening:

"We have approved a budget that is balanced, responsible and invests in hardworking families across the state. We’ve constructed the plan to put money back into taxpayers’ pockets, invest in critical public safety measures and support human services.

“As the Senate Appropriations Committee chairman, I set a mandate for our budget to solve the pressing economic problems facing low- and middle-income families. Because of our responsible fiscal approach over the past few years, our state has generated the largest surplus in more than two decades.

"I am especially proud of our investments in education, small businesses and public safety.  The budget lays out a major spending plan for crucial public safety initiatives and programs to support the areas ravaged by violence.

"Finally, as the lead sponsor of the Legislative Black Caucus’ SAFE-T Act, I’m proud of the funding allocated in this budget that invests in the tools law enforcement needs to prevent and solve crimes to keep communities safe. Our number one priority as a legislative body is the safety of the communities of which we serve.

"Our plan sets us up for short- and long-term success and I remain committed to economically advancing the state of Illinois."

 SPRINGFIELD— County coroners and local medical examiners could potentially receive federal assistance in identifying missing persons after a measure sponsored by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) passed the Senate on Wednesday.

“When you hear pleas from a family for help, we should be using all the tools at our disposal to bring them the support that they need to help find or identify their loved ones,” said Sims. “Unfortunately, some smaller counties and police departments do not have access to the same technology and resources as larger cities, and this bill will help with that.”

Senate Bill 3932 would require a coroner or medical examiner with custody of human remains that are not identified within 72 hours of discovery to immediately notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation for assistance in identification.

The legislation was filed to address the devastating death of Jelani Day, a 25-year-old graduate student at Illinois State University. Day was reported missing on Aug. 24, 2021, discovered on Sept. 4, 2021 and wasn’t identified by the LaSalle County coroner until Sept. 24, 2021.

“Jelani lived a beautiful life,” said Carmen Bolden Day, the ISU graduate student’s mother. “While he was here with us he made a difference and even in his absence he will continue to impact many people. I am so grateful for Senator Sims and this initiative. My son will be remembered and I will not let his name go in vain. ”

Senate Bill 3932 passed the Senate on Wednesday