Senator Sims highlights tax holiday on school supplies

CHICAGO – Building upon the General Assembly’s responsible spending and balanced budget of recent years, Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. – the Senate’s chief budget negotiator – pushed for a sales tax holiday to make school supplies more affordable for Illinois families. That 5% state sales tax break begins Friday.

“While the state saw a surplus of funds this year thanks to responsible spending and balanced budgets of recent years, residents of Illinois faced years of financial distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then an onslaught of struggles due to inflation,” said Sims (D-Chicago) “As chair of the Senate’s Appropriations Committee, I knew we had to help our residents who have faced immense economic challenges – and providing a sales tax holiday does just that.”

The sales tax holiday will take effect from Aug. 5 through Aug. 14. Senate Bill 157 created a 5% reduction on the states sales tax for qualifying school supplies and clothing. During the 10-day holiday, people can shop at stores throughout the state and pay a 1.25% state sales tax instead of the usual 6.25%.

Shoes, coats, winter accessories, ties and school uniforms under $125 will qualify for the tax break, as well as binders, folder, backpacks, lunch boxes, calculators, notebooks and writing supplies.

“This tax holiday helps our state’s families while setting our students up for success,” said Sims. “By providing people with relief, we are also incentivizing them to spend locally. It’s a win-win for our families and businesses alike.”

The sales tax holiday takes place from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14.

Sims to host annual back to school festival in Chesterfield

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. will host his annual back to school festival in August, joined by co-hosts State Representative Nick Smith and Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore.

The festival will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Tuley Park, located at 501 E. 90th Pl. in the Chesterfield neighborhood.

“Our students have had some of the most challenging times of their lives since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “It is critical that we continue supporting parents, kids and teachers as they transition back to their regular academic schedules, which is why I’m proud to host this event again this year and provide resources to families in the 17^th district. My office is working hard to make sure kids in Chicago and across Illinois will have a great start to this school year.”

Event sponsors include the University of Illinois—Chicago’s CHANCE Program and the West Chesterfield Community Association, among others. All residents and their families are welcome and will receive resources, school supplies, entertainment, food and more.

For more information, please contact Senator Sims’ office at (773) 933-7715 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sims welcomes over $500,000 to Marian R. Byrnes Park in Chicago

CHICAGO – To kick off Parks and Recreation Month, State Senator Elgie Sims announced funding for investments at the Marian R. Byrnes Park within the Chicago Park District.

“Chicago has a number of beautiful parks that allow families to get out and be active together,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “By making critical improvements to our local parks and outdoor spaces, we are prioritizing the overall well-being of our residents.”

Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program grants are administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and support local park projects. When combined with local matching funds, the latest OSLAD grants provide more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide. The Marian R. Brynes Park within the Chicago Park District will receive $500,000 of the funds.

“This park is a staple of our community, and I look forward to the improvements that are brought forth, but the jobs these projects will create to give the local economy a boost and the benefits it provides to families in our community” said Sims. “As we kick off Parks and Recreation Month, I encourage you to get outside and check out all the lovely parks our state has to offer.”

Learn more about OSLAD grants and see a full list of projects on the Illinois DNR website.

Senator Sims statement on SCOTUS decision striking down abortion rights

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the nation’s top court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping millions of women across the nation from their right to choose:

“Today is a devastating day for our country. Our worst fears are coming to pass as we see continued assaults on of our fundamental rights, all in an effort to forward a political agenda rooted in fear and opposed to progress. Although I’m not surprised by the ruling, I am speechless by the brazen way in which a fundamental right, the right to make one’s health care decisions, have been stripped away from women across our nation in support of a political agenda.

“While women in Illinois can take solace in knowing that our state respects their right to choose and has stood with them to protect this right, millions across our nation don’t have that same peace of mind. As a husband, father and community leader, this reality breaks my heart.

“We cannot and will not allow the assault on our fundamental rights to continue. Our very future is at stake. Let’s continue to uplift our voices, organizing and advocating to turn pain into progress.

“Our fight continues to ensure women’s rights and all of our fundamental rights are protected.”