CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"Food banks across our region are already operating at capacity trying to serve community members. If SNAP benefits stop abruptly, the impact would be devastating," said Sims (D-Chicago). "Families across our community are already facing challenges in their household budgets, as the Trump tariffs continue to drive prices up, and the federal government shutdown only creates enormous new barriers for those who qualify for this essential nutrition assistance."

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including over 63,000 people in the district Sims represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Sims stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention because people being able to at should not be a partisan issue. During this time of increased need, he is encouraging people who can to donate to their local food pantries.

"Every week, food pantries support hundreds of individuals – families forced to choose between housing and food, parents who go hungry to feed their kids, and elderly people on fixed incomes that fall short of covering essentials," Sims said. "Whether you contribute supplies or funds, you're making a real difference in someone's life."

To find a local food pantry, people can visit www.feedingillinois.org/food-banks.

SPRINGFIELD – For the 10^th time in less than five years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. Moody’s Investors Service – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by state democrats. 

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. – the Senate Appropriations Committee Chair and Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader – released the following statement:

“The 10^th rating upgrade is yet another sign the years of fiscal discipline and responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able to put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, provide funding for the people who need the most help and pay down the state’s bill backlog – all while dealing with economic uncertainty created by a hostile federal government. Illinois is a standout state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first, and we do so in a responsible and equitable way.

“Moody’s upgrade shows our fiscally responsible budgeting approach is working and is independent proof that our state is headed in the right direction. A rating upgrade isn’t just something we get to tout – it’s something that saves our taxpayers millions of dollars.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. secured nearly $110 million to build and repair infrastructure in the South Suburbs

"By investing in our roads, we're creating safer conditions, generating employment opportunities, and strengthening local economies across the region," said Sims (D-Chicago). "Our commitment to upgrading aging infrastructure is already showing results, with lasting benefits for south side residents.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Sims represents will see 12 infrastructure projects totaling nearly $110 million next year. Projects range from fixing cracks on Illinois 17 in Kankakee to improving pavement on Illinois 94 west of MLK Jr. Drive in Chicago.

A full list of projects in the 17^th District can be found here.

CHICAGO – Thursday marks two years since the Pretrial Fairness Act was implemented, leading to a fairer and more just criminal legal system – and in turn, safer communities. State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement to highlight the historic legislation: 

“The results speak for themselves: our communities are safer, our justice system is more equitable, and we have proven that safety is achieved through fairness rather than the size of someone's bank account.

“Contrary to the fear-mongering predictions of critics, both violent and property crimes have decreased since we ended cash bail, and the two-year re-arrest rate for individuals released pretrial has improved. Most importantly, it has been transformative in addressing the disproportionate impact of the cash bail system on communities of color and low-income families. For too long, our two-tiered justice system allowed wealth to determine freedom. Today, Illinois operates under the principle that liberty should not depend on one's ability to pay.

“The Pretrial Fairness Act represents what is possible when we choose courage over fear, evidence over rhetoric and justice over the status quo. After two years of implementation, one thing is clear: when we assess risk rather than riches, everyone benefits – survivors, families, defendants, and most importantly, our communities.

“The success of the past two years is the foundation for continued progress toward a more just Illinois.”