CHICAGO – As families across Illinois prepare for another school year, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is hosting fun and free community events to help students gear up for the fall.  He is extending an invitation to his upcoming Annual Back to School Festival for families and students in the 17th Senate District.

“It is critical that we continue supporting parents, kids and teachers, which is why I’m proud to host this event again this year and provide resources to families in the 17^th District,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “My office is working hard to make sure kids in Chicago and across Illinois will have a great start to this school year.”

The fun and family-friendly Back to School Festival will take place on Saturday, July 29 and feature games, food, entertainment, school supplies giveaways and more. The event will be held at Cole Park, located at 361 E. 85^th St., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sims is also hosting an upcoming event for high school students and other people who are seeking higher education opportunities.

In partnership with Chesterfield Community Council, he is hosting a College Expo on Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Chicago State University – Jones Convention Center.

The free event – located at 9501 S. King Dr. – will include college, university and trade school representatives, seminars on scholarships, apprenticeships, HBCU life and more, as well as giveaways.

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..

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a new law to end youth solitary confinement – leading to better outcomes for children who are detained.

“Sadly, across the nation, young people are being held in solitary confinement for unreasonably long periods of time, sometimes spending 22 hours or more alone each day,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “That is inhumane and can cause long-term grave psychological, physical and developmental harm.”

Sims’ measure prohibits the use of solitary confinement on young detainees in detention centers for any purpose other than preventing immediate physical harm.

Young people in solitary confinement are isolated both physically and socially, often for days, weeks, or even months on end. Sometimes there is a window allowing natural light to enter or a view of the world outside cell walls. Sometimes it is possible to communicate by yelling to other inmates, with voices distorted, reverberating against concrete and metal. Occasionally, they get a book or bible, and if they are lucky, study materials. But inside this cramped space, few contours distinguish one hour, one day, week, or one month, from the next.

“For children, who are still developing and more vulnerable to irreparable harm, risks are magnified – particularly those with disabilities or histories of trauma and abuse,” said Sims. “Children should not be deprived of the services, programming, and other tools they need for healthy growth, education, and development. We should be helping children grow into productive and healthy adults, not harming them, this is particularly true when they have come into the criminal legal system. If we are going to have true safety and justice, we must invest in a criminal legal system that creates pathways to success not one that tears down our young people and creates a cycle of recidivism.”

Senate Bill 3140 was signed into law Friday.

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court limited how universities may consider race in admissions decisions:

“Equal education rights for all should be a fundamental value of this country. Yet, with the Supreme Court’s decision, America has taken a step backward in our fight to end racial bias and discrimination in education. It’s acceptable for college admissions to consider if your parent graduated from the school or if you can play a sport well – things that often come from money and privilege – but not by where you come from? It is unconscionable that this court continues to disregard efforts to make our country more inclusive while at the same time diminishing the centuries of disinvestment that continue to impede pathways to equal opportunity for all.

“At the state level, I am grateful for the commitment made by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to continue to fight for equity and inclusion. I vow to ensure all students in Illinois – regardless of race or ZIP code – have equal opportunities to higher education.”

CHICAGO – Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the governor signed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget into law: 

“The budget signed today builds upon our strong, smart spending decisions of recent years that have led Illinois to not just one credit upgrade – but eight. 

“I am proud of the steps we took to continue Illinois on the right path. We didn’t just look at fiscal outcomes but prioritized our most vulnerable populations, educating our young people, keeping our communities safe, creating good jobs, and growing our economy. 

“Continuing our principled and disciplined approach will keep our fiscal house in order. I am committed to doing the work necessary to ensure that Illinois continues to enact responsible budgets and remains on the path toward fiscal stability, investing in and uplifting marginalized people, all while prioritizing our communities and people who need the most assistance.”