CHICAGO – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to the State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.-championed Illinois Family Relief Plan.
"Our goal in crafting this year's budget was to build upon our sound spending decisions to put Illinois on the right fiscal path after years of financial challenges, coupled with other tax incentives announced this year,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “This rollout of the income and property tax rebate will provide additional financial relief for millions of Illinoisans.”
Championed by Sims, the Senate’s lead budget negotiator, Senate Bill 157 provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.
Under the law, people who filed 2021 Illinois taxes are eligible to receive up to $700. Individual filers who make less than $200,000 will receive a $50 income tax rebate, and couples who make less than $400,000 will receive $100. Filers are also eligible for $100 per dependent, with a maximum of three.
Additionally, people who paid property taxes in 2021 on their primary residence in 2020 – and make less than $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – are eligible for up to $300. The rebate will be equal to the property tax a resident was qualified to claim on their 2021 taxes.
People who filed taxes will automatically receive their rebate starting this week – otherwise they have until Oct. 17 to do so.
"Families across our state have been experiencing some very challenging times, from the pains of the pandemic to the increased costs of living, but we are facing these challenges together. I am pleased we were able to create this credit to offer taxpayers some needed relief."
For more information on how the funds will be dispersed or to see qualification criteria, people can visit tax.illinois.gov/rebates.
CHICAGO – It’s been over a year since the death of Illinois State University student Jelani Day, and his family and the community still have questions about his death. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. – who championed what is known as the “Jelani Day” bill – will celebrate Day’s life and legacy Saturday. 
“A year has passed since the tragic loss of Mr. Jelani Day, yet his family, the community – and I – continue to mourn,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Mr. Day’s family – and the families of missing people across this state – deserve our continued help, support and assistance.”
When Day went missing, it took two weeks to find his body and another three weeks to identify his remains. This led Sims to champion a law – Senate Bill 3932 – to allow county coroners and medical examiners to receive federal assistance in identifying missing persons. Day’s family played an instrumental role in the passage of the measure.
The new law will 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.
While both Day’s family and Sims himself are proud of the steps the legislature took to ensure no other Illinois family has to experience the tragedy Day’s family felt, they believe more awareness still needs to be brought forth.
That’s why Sims is standing with Day’s family as they launch the Jelani Day Foundation, an effort to fight for change and equity to ensure families of color have the help and momentum needed during the search for missing loved ones.
The celebration of life and further announcements regarding the launch of the foundation will be held at the Bone Student Center at Illinois State University Saturday, Aug. 27 from 5-9 p.m.
People can get tickets for the event by clicking here. Members of the media who would like press credentials for the event should email
CHICAGO – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. the Illinois Department of Transportation announced nearly $13 million in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area this year.
“This is a meaningful investment to preserve local roads and bridges,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “We are taking a responsible approach to not only address safety and traffic issues, but to prevent them before they arise.”
As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Sims represents will see 10 infrastructure projects totaling more than $37 million over the next six years.
Some of the most vital projects coming to the area this year include:
These projects are part of IDOT’s multi-year plan, a $34.6 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years.
The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.
"Aside from making our roads safer, these projects will provide quality jobs and help people recover from the financial impact of the pandemic,” Sims said.
To find a full list of projects slated for the 17th Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.
CHICAGO – Thanks to support from State Senator Elgie Sims, Calumet City and Lansing will both see major investments as part of the Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets program.
“Local business districts are the backbones of our communities – from being great places to work to great places for entertainment,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Investing in our business community helps us make equitable recovery from the pandemic and inflation by creating jobs and growing a stronger local economy.”
With new federal funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administered grants to 50 commercial corridors throughout the state. Calumet City will see more than $685,000 to improve the Burnham Avenue corridor, while Lansing will see $875,000 to replace to sidewalk in the business district.
The Rebuild Illinois program is a historic $45 billion investment in Illinois’ transportation infrastructure and state facilities, passed in 2019 with support from Senator Sims.
DCEO originally administered $50 million for the program in 2021. Due to federal funding, the state allocated an additional $56 million to support 29 more projects. With matching funds from recipients, a total investment of $215 million was made in downtowns across Illinois.
For a full list of recipients, visit Illinois.gov.
Page 15 of 114
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
