CHICAGO – For the fourth time in a year, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. Fitch Ratings – one of the nation’s major credit rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally-responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) – who serves as the Senate’s lead budget negotiator and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee – released the following statement in response:

“When I look at the budget we passed last month, I see the work and years of fiscal responsibility paying off. We were able to pay down our bills and put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families. Illinois is a stand-out state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first – and we do so in a responsible, equitable way.

“Fitch’s two level rating upgrade shows our fiscally responsible budgeting approach is working and is independent proof that our state is headed in the right direction, our unemployment rate is down and we’ve added thousands of new jobs in key industries, like hospitality and professional services. Our future looks bright and I look forward to continued collaborative efforts with my colleagues to keep Illinois on this upward economic trajectory.”