SPRINGFIELD — A plan to help workers who have been exposed to toxic substances was signed into law on Friday. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) sponsored the bill, which helps workers who have developed latent illnesses or injuries after coming in contact with asbestos, radiation or beryllium in the workplace.   “For far to...

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims (D-Chicago) supported a constitutional amendment that would allow Illinois to implement a fairer income tax. Illinois has had the same flat tax structure for decades. The Illinois Constitution currently locks in a flat income tax rate. The proposed plan would lower taxes for 97 percent of Illinoisans and o...

CHICAGO—A plan at the statehouse would allow the Village of Manteno to do renovations at a public golf course. The village has been unsuccessful in renovating a golf course club house because a state clause is preventing them from getting a bank loan. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) is working to change that with a proposal that wou...

CHICAGO—A plan that would protect Illinoisans’ right to a public defender passed the Senate recently. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) sponsors the proposal, which creates the Public Defender Bail Reform Grant Program. The aim is to assist counties in following the current law, which requires counsel to be present at bail hearings. ...

SPRINGFIELD—A plan to attract more film and TV companies to Illinois recently passed the Senate. State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) is sponsoring the proposal, which would expand the state’s film production tax credit with the aim of raising Illinois’ national standing in the film and television industry. “This effort will help us gain...

CHICAGO--Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is the recipient of a $1.5 million grant for energy improvements, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced today. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is taking advantage of the United States Department of Energy’s State Energy Program to reduce the energy burden for I...

SPRINGFIELD — A plan to give students time off from school to vote passed out of the Senate Wednesday. State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) spearheaded the effort to encourage youth voting after students at one of his local schools were not allowed to participate in a “March to the Polls” event during school hours. “This effort is intend...