SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) took the oath of office and was sworn in for a new term Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 103^rd General Assembly. He released the following statement:

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve my constituents and will continue working tirelessly to provide positive change in our community and across the state of Illinois. I am eager to continue my work on behalf of the amazing people and families of the 17^th District. In this session, my focus will be on growing economic opportunities, providing a quality education to all students, addressing the root causes of crime and community instability, including our continuing work to reform our state’s criminal justice system, preventing gun violence, and passing a full, balanced budget. Our agenda is full, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve the lives of all Illinoisans, because they deserve progress, and I stand ready to give it to them.”