SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) was sworn into office on Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 101^st General Assembly.

“I am eager to continue working hard for the great people of the 17^th District,” Sims said. “This session I plan to work with my colleagues to address the impact of the budget impasse, grow economic opportunities, provide a quality education to all students, work on criminal justice reform, help prevent gun violence and pass a full, balanced budget. Illinoisans deserve progress, and I stand ready to give it to them.”