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Dear Friends,
I’m pleased to share with you that the General Assembly has passed a full, balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2019 ahead of the deadline.
This budget plan makes significant investments in areas needed to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the state of Illinois, particularly those of the 17th District.
Highlights of the FY 19 budget include:
Education is highly prioritized within this budget. The added funding this year will ensure the new Evidence Based Funding formula will operate and level the playing field for students throughout the state.
We also provided funds needed to improve the quality of our institutions of higher education, like Chicago State University. The budget seeks to keep students in Illinois by offering them a new financial aid option, AIM HIGH. This program provides matching grants to public universities for awards to Illinois undergraduate students based on both merit and financial aid criteria.
Many of you have contacted me and raised legitimate concerns about gun violence.
As one of the budgeteers, I kept public safety and alternative strategies to prevent the root causes of violence in my mind as we negotiated this year’s budget. This plan restores funding for youth employment services and youth programming, including Teen REACH.
Jobs and afterschool programs go hand in hand with violence prevention. Providing our young people with constructive activities and employment is crucial to keeping them focused on their futures, off the streets and, most of all, alive.
I’m glad my colleagues and I were able to work together in a bipartisan manner to craft a balanced spending plan that prioritizes the success of our young people in at-risk communities, invests in education and improves the quality of life for citizens across our state.
I hope the governor signs this budget into law, so we can continue on the path to stability and make a difference in the lives of people throughout the 17th District.
Please continue to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have by calling my district office at (773) 933-7715 or via email at:
You can also follow me on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As always, I will continue to fight for what’s best for the people of the 17th Senate District.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely, Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. |
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Dear Friends,
I am reaching out to you seeking your help and support for one of the pillars of our community, “Mother” Josephine Wade, and her restaurant, “Josephine’s Cooking.” As you may know, recently a large amount of copper was stolen from her restaurant, causing thousands of dollars in damage to this venerable institution in the Chatham community. In response, we will host a Senior Appreciation Luncheon, Friday, June 8, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Josephine’s Cooking, located at 436 E. 79th St., Chicago, IL in support of Mother Wade and Josephine’s Cooking.
Mother Wade has been a blessing to so many in our community and it is necessary for all of us to rally around her during this time of need. The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:2, “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Mother Wade lives these words through her work in the community every day, and it is important for us to do all we can to thank her for all of her years of love and support to the community.
I am asking our seniors to please come out to this senior appreciation luncheon. Seating is limited, so please RSVP by calling my district office at (773) 933-7715.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely,
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SPRINGFIELD-State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) passed Senate Bill 3256, which would extend a 72-hour waiting period to all firearms in Illinois.
"Having an across-the-board 'cooling off' period for firearms could prevent people from causing harm to themselves or others," said Sims. "Requiring a 72-hour waiting period is a commonsense reform that will help keep our communities safe."
Current Illinois law requires a 72-hour waiting period to obtain handguns after purchase, but assault weapons, including the AR-15 and other military-style weapons can be collected in just 24 hours.
Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed waiting period legislation earlier this legislative session. SB 3256 matches a proposal he made in that amendatory veto.
This plan will bring all firearms in line with handguns, which are already regulated under a 72-hour waiting period.
"We must take every step we can to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands. I believe this measure will help save lives by preventing someone from making a violent snap judgment that leads to actions that could have been prevented," said Sims.
This waiting period will give law enforcement ample time to do proper background checks as well as provide a "cooling off" period for people who may hurt themselves or someone else.
Passage of SB 3256 is a prelude to National Gun Violence Awareness Day today, which further highlights the need to prevent gun violence in Illinois and across the country.
SB 3256 heads to the governor's desk for approval.
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Chicago Office:
8233 S. Princeton
Chicago, IL 60620
PHONE: 773.933.7715
TEXT: 773.839.4737
Springfield Office:
218 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
PHONE: 217.782.3201
